ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Bluetongue Disease: Vaccination

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will hold discussions with the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe on the Government's bluetongue vaccination strategy.

Jonathan R Shaw: We have no plans to hold discussions with the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe to discuss DEFRA's vaccination plan.

Coastal Areas: Access

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consideration he has given to the extension of the right to roam to encompass the foreshore; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: Part 9 of the draft Marine Bill which we published on 3 April 2008 contains provisions for improving access to the English coast. The draft Bill includes provisions to provide a coastal margin, within which people will be able to walk along a long-distance route for the length of the English coast (with certain exceptions, including, for example, developed land). In addition people will have access to coastal land including the foreshore, beaches, cliffs, rocks and dunes, for the purposes of open-air recreation on foot. It is unlikely that the route itself will be established over the foreshore, but the coastal margin (to which the public will have access for open-air recreation) will be.
	The right of access under the draft Marine Bill will be established by means of an Order under section 3A of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, and the approval of a proposal for a long-distance route on a particular stretch of coast will be made under the procedures in the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

Departmental Manpower

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many  (a) permanent Civil Service posts,  (b) permanent non-Civil Service posts and  (c) temporary or agency workers in employment there were in his Department in each month since May 2005.

Jonathan R Shaw: The Office for National Statistics publishes Civil Service employment statistics every quarter in the Public Sector Employment First Release. The latest statistics published are for Q4 (December) 2007. These can be viewed at:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/pse0308.pdf.
	Table 6 of the publication provides a breakdown of employment by Government Department. This has been available since Q1 2006, and since Q4 2006 it has included a breakdown of permanent and temporary/casual employees. Links to the on-line publications can be viewed at:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/ReleaseCalendar/findreleases.asp?releasetitle= Public+Sector+Employment&releaseorganisation=42&releasetheme=&daterange=3&sday=18&smonth=03&syear=2008&ShowHits=10&SortOrder=0&ShowYear=2008.
	Prior to 2006 Civil Service employment numbers were available on only an annual basis. A link is provided to the Civil Service statistics on the Cabinet Office website:
	www.civilservice.gov.uk/about/statistics/archive/index.asp.
	Civil Service statistics collected are the number of employees and not the number of posts. An employee covering multiple posts is counted only once and no information on vacancies is held.
	The ONS does not publish statistics for non-Civil Service posts broken down by Government Department.
	Information on employment agency workers could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Flood Control: West Sussex

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the value of assets at risk from flooding in Selsey over the next 20 years; and what probability assessment is attached to the estimate.

Phil Woolas: holding answer 21 April 2008
	There are currently 1,028 residential properties at risk of flooding between Pagham and East Head, which have an estimated total asset value (based upon work completed to date) of around £250 million. Due to sea level rise, this figure is expected to increase to 1,230 properties by 2028. This equates to an estimated value of £300 million in 2028 at today's prices.
	The existing defences at Selsey East Beach currently provide protection against a one in 200 year storm and it is expected that these will remain in place for at least the next 20 years.

Geographical Information Systems

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 25 March 2008,  Official Report, column 126W, on geographical information systems, which Government Departments and agencies other than his own have been given access to the Shared Spatial Information Service.

Jonathan R Shaw: The following organisations outside of DEFRA and its executive agencies have registered users who have access to the Shared Spatial Information Service (SPIRE):
	British Waterways
	Energy Saving Trust
	English Heritage
	Environment Agency
	Government Office for the English Regions
	Joint Nature Conservatory Council
	Meat Hygiene Service
	Natural England
	Ordnance Survey
	Pesticide Safety Directorate
	Forest Research
	Forestry Commission

Health Services

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether his Department provides health or social care services out of public funds, with reference to the Statement by the Minister of State, Department of Health, in the Health and Social Care Bill Committee, of 17 January 2008,  Official Report, column 327.

Jonathan R Shaw: DEFRA does not currently provide health and social care services paid for out of public funds.

Natural England: Early Retirement

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many employees of Natural England have  (a) been offered and  (b) accepted early retirement in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: holding answer 26 March 2008
	We do not hold this information as Natural England is a non-departmental public body (NDPB).
	I have asked Dr. Helen Phillips the chief executive of Natural England to write to you with the information requested.

Rabies: Disease Control

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he has taken to prevent incidents of rabies in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: Under the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) Order 1974 (as amended) all dogs, cats and many other mammals must be licensed into quarantine for six months on arrival in the United Kingdom.
	The only exception to those that would normally require quarantine is for dogs, cats and ferrets that enter under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) rules, or when animals enter the UK as commercially traded animals where they have to comply with other strict requirements.

HEALTH

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evaluation he has made of research on the effects of genetics on people with myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Dawn Primarolo: holding answer 23 April 2008
	None.

Dental Services: Stroud

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase access to NHS dentistry in Stroud constituency.

Ann Keen: It is for primary care trusts (PCTs) to commission health services, including dentistry, to meet the needs of their local populations. My hon. Friend may therefore wish to raise this with the chief executive of Gloucestershire PCT.
	Increasing the number of patients seen within national health service dental services is now a formal priority in the "NHS Operating Framework" for 2008-09, and we have supported this with a substantial 11 per cent. uplift in overall allocations to PCTs from 1 April 2008.

Disabled: Children

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families on the provision of short breaks for disabled children;
	(2)  what recent guidance has been issued to primary care trusts on support for short care breaks for disabled children.

Ivan Lewis: I jointly chair the Aiming High for Disabled Children (AHDC) Ministerial Implementation Group with my noble Friend Lord Adonis, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families. We wrote to primary care trusts (PCTs) and local authorities (LAs) on 19 December 2007, setting out the investment and growth funding put in place to support our commitments and priorities for disabled children set out in the "Children's Plan" and the "National Health Service Operating Framework". This includes substantial investment to increase the range and number of short breaks. Copies of the letter have been placed in the Library.
	We will shortly be issuing guidance to PCTs and LAs to inform their delivery of the AHDC Short Break Transformation programme. The Government are also commissioning a national support body to assist PCTs and LAs in their implementation of the improved provision of short breaks.

Doctors

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will bring forward proposals to fund the work of specialised pre-hospital doctors outside London.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 21 April 2008
	The Department acknowledges the valuable support that these doctors offer to the national health service locally, recognising that the availability of medical advice and assistance can bring added advantages to some seriously injured patients. However, it is a matter for the NHS locally to both fund and decide how they use British Association of Immediate Care doctors.

Drugs: Fees and Charges

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what estimate his Department has made of the costs associated with running a further consultation on Part IX of the Drug Tariff;
	(2)  when his Department plans to publish its further consultation on Part IX of the Drug Tariff; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: The costs associated with running a further consultation have been estimated at £393,000. These costs will be for the services of professional advisors. The Department's costs are part of its ongoing operational budget.
	The Department intends to publish a further consultation regarding the arrangements under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the provision of stoma and incontinence appliances—and related services—in primary care towards the end of May 2008. An impact assessment and equality impact assessment will be published alongside this.

Eyes: Diseases

Philip Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people had a diagnosis of keratoconus at the latest date for which figures are available, broken down by primary care trust.

Ann Keen: The Department does not collect data on the total number of people with a diagnosis of keratoconus. The majority will receive contact lenses or glasses from their optometrist or ophthalmic medical practitioner, and will have their condition managed in the community.
	Patients with more advanced keratoconus may be seen by the hospital eye service on an outpatient basis. The Information Centre for health and social care collects data on outpatient attendances but these data cannot be broken down by diagnosis.
	A very small proportion of those with keratoconus, mainly those requiring corneal grafting, will be seen as inpatients. The following table shows the count of hospital admissions for those with a primary diagnosis of keratoconus(1) broken by strategic health authority (SHA) area. The data could not be broken down by primary care trust given the small numbers involved.
	(1) A finished admission episode is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. Admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one admission with the year.
	
		
			  Current SHA of residence  Total hospital admissions 
			 North East SHA 23 
			 North West SHA 83 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber SHA 142 
			 East Midlands SHA 67 
			 West Midlands SHA 86 
			 East of England SHA 60 
			 London SHA 168 
			 South East Coast SHA 36 
			 South Central SHA 45 
			 South West SHA 54 
			 Non England and unknown 19 
			 Total 783

HIV Infection

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) males and  (b) females aged (i) under 21, (ii) 22 to 35, (iii) 36 to 50 and (iv) over 50 years were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in each of the last five years, broken down by primary care trust.

Dawn Primarolo: The information requested, which has been provided by the Health Protection Agency, is only available in the age ranges 15 to 24, 25 to 34, 35 to 44, 45 to 54 and 55 and above and has been placed in the Library.

Macular Degeneration

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what reports his Department has received on the efficacy of essential fatty acids and lutein in slowing the progress of age-related macular degeneration.

Ann Keen: The Department has received no reports on the efficacy of essential fatty acids and lutein in slowing the progress of age-related macular degeneration.

Mental Health Services: Greater London

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding was allocated to each mental health trust in London by his Department in each year since 1997.

Ben Bradshaw: The information requested is not held centrally.
	The Department makes revenue allocations to primary care trusts (PCTs), but not to national health service trusts or mental health trusts. It is for PCTs to determine how to use the funding allocated to them to commission services to meet the health care needs of their local populations.
	Commissioners, mainly PCTs, pay NHS trusts to provide services, and the trusts recognise this as income and not as funding.

Multiple Sclerosis

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will appoint a national director for multiple sclerosis;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the effects of the National Service Framework for Long-Term Conditions on the provision of services and staffing for people with multiple sclerosis.

Ann Keen: We have not assessed the effect of the "National Service Framework (NSF) for long term conditions" on service provision for people with multiple sclerosis. The NSF has a 10-year implementation programme from its publication in March 2005, with flexibility for organisations to set the pace of change locally to take account of differences in local priorities and needs.
	We have no plans to appoint a national director for multiple sclerosis. National directors oversee the implementation of specific NSFs or major clinical or service strategies. In line with devolving responsibility to local organisations, we believe that it is more appropriate for local health and social care communities and the third sector to take responsibility for driving forward the service changes and improvements envisaged by the NSF for long- term conditions.

NHS: Finance

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to paragraph 5.33 of the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review, how much growth funding has been included in each primary care trust's baseline allocations for 2008-09 to enable them to work with local authorities to significantly increase the range and number of short breaks for disabled children; whether this money is ring-fenced; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The 2008-09 primary care trust (PCT) revenue allocations were announced on 13 December 2007. These represent £74.2 billion investment in the national health service, nearly £4 billion more than in 2007-08. All PCTs will receive an above inflation cash increase of 5.5 per cent., a total cash increase of £3.8 billion. The funding for services to support disabled children forms part of this allocation.
	It is for PCTs to determine how to use the funding allocated to them to commission services to meet the health care needs of their local populations. The Department deliberately does not break down PCT allocations into funding for individual policy programmes, as this would constrain local innovation and decision taking. Instead, the approach the Department takes is to be clear about the priorities for the NHS through the Operating Framework. It is then for the NHS to decide how best to achieve those outcomes in the light of local needs and circumstances, including the level of resources to invest.

NHS: Leaflets

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on producing NHS leaflets in languages other than English in 2006-07.

Ben Bradshaw: The information is not recorded in the format requested by financial years. National health service publications are produced by the Department as well as by NHS agencies and local organisations and records are not held centrally.
	The Department commissioned translation services at a total cost of £180,319.29 in the calendar year 2006 and £141,352.03 in the calendar year 2007. These costs were for publications branded either NHS or Departmental or jointly branded, as well as for the translation of correspondence and guidance. Printing or recording and production costs are not included in these figures.

Nurses: Uniforms

Tony Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department has issued to nurses and other medical staff on wearing uniforms beyond hospital premises; and what assessment his Department has made of the risk of infection arising from nurses and medical staff wearing uniform outside hospitals.

Ann Keen: The Department has published, 'Uniforms and Workwear: An evidence base for developing local policy' (September 2007), which sets out the evidence(1) relating to good and poor practice relating to the wearing of uniforms. The publication states that "there is no conclusive evidence that uniforms pose a significant hazard in terms of spreading infection". It acknowledges, however, that patient confidence may be undermined if staff are seen travelling in uniform and states that; "it is good practice to change into and out of uniform at work" or "to cover uniform when travelling to and from work". The publication is intended for use by individual trusts in determining their own policies on the wearing of uniforms in and around the workplace.
	(1) An evidence-base developed by Thames Valley University, (authors: JA Wilson, H.P. Loveday, P.N. Hoffman and RJ. Pratt)

Patient Choice Schemes: Costs

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the NHS Choose and Book IT project has cost to date.

Ben Bradshaw: Choose and Book is one of the new, linked, IT systems and services which are being delivered by NHS Connecting for Health to help modernise the NHS and to ensure that patients have a clear choice of time, date and place when booking into first outpatient appointments.
	Total payments to date relating to the development, delivery and maintenance of the Choose and Book IT system total £98.9 million. This includes £45.1 million for the development and deployment of the core system by the supplier under the original core contract worth £64.5 million over five years. It also includes a further £53.8 million for approved additional services and functionality identified in the contract, the costs of which are within the budget for the original Choose and Book business case.

Patients: Essex

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many people in the Mid-Essex Primary Care Trust area were receiving continuing care using Q4 2006-07 and Q3 2007-08 figures to compare the start and the end of the year; and what percentage change the figures represented;
	(2)  for what reasons the number of people in the Mid-Essex Primary Care Trust area receiving continuing care fell using the Q4 2006-07 and Q3 2007-08 figures to compare the start and the end of the year.

Ivan Lewis: The information requested is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of people receiving continuing care, Mid-Essex PCT 
			  Period  Number of people receiving continuing care 
			 Q4 2006-07 76 
			 Q3 2007-08 94 
			   
			 Percentage change 24 
			  Source: Department of Health Local Delivery Plan Return Commissioner (Revised 23 April 2008)

Prescriptions

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether medication reviews undertaken in respect of residents of care homes count towards the general medical services contract quality and outcomes framework performance indicator;
	(2)  what the performance of each primary care trust was against the general medical services contract indicator for the undertaking of medication reviews for patients being prescribed four or more repeat medicines in each year for which figures are available.

Ben Bradshaw: Medicine review indicators within the quality and outcomes framework include all patients prescribed repeat prescriptions regardless of their living arrangements.
	The percentage achievement for the undertaking of medication reviews for patients being prescribed four or more repeat medicines has been placed in the Library.

Psychiatry: Standards

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what timetable has been set for the consultation on defining national occupational standards for the regulation of counsellors and psychotherapists under the Health Professionals Council; and when he expects to be able to introduce those standards.

Ben Bradshaw: Discussions on the scope of practice and the national occupational standards for psychotherapists and counsellors are continuing. Once agreement has been reached we will publish proposals on statutory regulation for public consultation.

Psychiatry: Standards

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Prime Minister on the Prime Minister's response of 11th March to the petition on the national occupational standards for counselling and psychotherapy.

Ben Bradshaw: No discussions have taken place. The response to the petition represents the Government's position on the regulation of counsellors and psychotherapists.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Housing Benefit

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he plans to publish the equality impact assessment relating to the proposed reduction in backdating facilities for housing benefit; and what account the assessment will take of vulnerable groups.

James Plaskitt: The equality impact assessment was published on 21 April 2008; a copy has been placed in the Library. It is also available on the Department for Work and Pensions website at:
	http://www.dwp.gov.uk/resourcecentre/PC-HB-CTB-EIA-Apr08.pdf
	The assessment considers the potential impact on a range of groups, including the most vulnerable, and proposes steps to mitigate any adverse effects. A publicity campaign will be launched, to raise awareness of the change and to advise tenants to apply for benefit in good time. We will also be working with landlords to encourage them to tackle rent arrears at the earliest possible time as this is often a trigger for a backdating claim.

Mortgages

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to amend the income support for mortgage interest regime.

James Plaskitt: Although we have no current plans to reform support for mortgage interest, we keep the scheme under review.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Ministers: Official Residences

Eric Pickles: To ask the Leader of the House how much was spent on the refurbishment of the Leader of the House's office in 26 Whitehall following the departure of the former Deputy Prime Minister.

Helen Goodman: The rooms referred to have been redecorated as part of the lifecycle programme covering the whole of the building (26 Whitehall). Further additional costs specifically relating to the relocation into the building of the Office of the Leader of the House were incurred to a value of £4,379 plus VAT.

OLYMPICS

Olympic Games 2012: Contracts

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Minister for the Olympics which Welsh companies or organisations have obtained contracts through the Olympic Delivery Authority; what the value of each contract is; and what work is involved in each.

Tessa Jowell: To date three businesses or organisations registered in Wales have supplied goods and services to the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA). These are John Evans Photography; Strategy and Solution Limited; and the Office for National Statistics. These contracts were awarded for photography, management consulting services and data processing and preparation. Due to commercial sensitivities I cannot make public the value of each of these contracts, but I can tell you that spend to date with them is £5,053.
	In January, the Olympic Family launched the London 2012 Business Network, helping businesses across the country to access and compete for 2012 related contracts. Over 200 Welsh companies have registered for the CompeteFor service, and businesses in every constituency should be encouraged to sign up and get support. The ODA will be visiting Cardiff in May 2008 to speak to Welsh businesses about the opportunities generated by the Games.

Olympic Games 2012: Contracts

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Minister for the Olympics which contracts have been let by the Olympic Delivery Authority; and what  (a) value and  (b) percentage of contracts have been let to companies based in (i) England, (ii) Scotland, (iii) Wales and (iv) Northern Ireland.

Tessa Jowell: The Olympic Delivery Authority will directly procure over 2,000 contracts; these are expected to generate 50,000 supply chain opportunities. At this early stage, 600 contracts have been awarded. The percentage shares are as follows:
	
		
			   Percentage share 
			 England 97 
			 Scotland 1 
			 Wales 1 
			 Northern Ireland 1 
		
	
	The London 2012 website provides information about contracts awarded by sector. The value of these contracts is in excess of £1 billion.
	In January, the Olympic Family launched the London 2012 Business Network, helping businesses across the country to access and compete for 2012 related contracts. Businesses in every constituency should be encouraged to sign up and get support. To this end ODA have a programme of business engagement covering all of the UK's nations and regions. Events took place in Northern Ireland in November, in Scotland in February, and will take place in Wales in May.
	In addition to these direct opportunities flowing from London 2012 procurement, there are of course wider opportunities for the nations and regions to benefit economically from the Games. These include a potential £2.1 billion boost to the UK's tourism industry and volunteering opportunities which can help drive up skills levels and improve employability. Over 600 top class sporting facilities from across the UK will appear in the London 2012 Pre-Games Training Camps Guide to be launched this summer, with 31 in Wales alone. These have the potential to attract top athletes from around the world bringing a range of sporting and business opportunities, including inward investment. In addition, UK Trade and Investment are developing programmes to use the Games as a springboard for export.

PRIME MINISTER

Tibet

Jo Swinson: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his oral answer of 19 March 2008,  Official Report, column 915, on Tibet, what plans he has to report to the House following his proposed meeting with the Dalai Lama.

Gordon Brown: My meetings will be reported in the usual way.

DEFENCE

Armed Forces: Health Services

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the competence of non-registered/qualified health care assistants operating the triage system for the telephone assessment service in British Forces Germany.

Derek Twigg: The primary and community care contract has been commercially let using standard MOD terms and conditions of contract which has clear performance requirements, including the professional standard required of their staff. Previously, out-of-hours services involved 24-hour manning of British Forces Germany (BFG) medical centres. With the introduction of the new contract a telephone advisory service (TAS) triage system for out-of-hours is being operated by qualified nurses, whilst health care assistants provide support. The system was assessed and found successful for over a year in two pilot sites in Germany before its successful introduction on 1 April 2008.

Armed Forces: Health Services

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect on the retention of staff of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) of the change of terms and conditions in his Department's contract with Guys' and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and SSAFA for health care staff in British Forces Germany.

Derek Twigg: The primary and community care contract has been commercially let using standard MOD terms and conditions of contract, which were accepted by the SSAFA/GSTT partnership. The contractor has responsibility to manage their own staff retention in order to meet the requirement of the contract. However, evaluation of the contract tender considered the fact SSAFA have provided similar services on a commercial basis to MOD over several years and have been able to offer employment terms and conditions that have ensured a good track record of recruitment and retention. Since contract signature in December 2007, both British Forces Germany Health Services and the contractor have engaged in a comprehensive communication strategy with all staff, to ensure what has been a successful transition to the new contract.

Armed Forces: Mental Health Services

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of  (a) robustness and  (b) appropriateness of the clinical interventions and health care provided for servicemen and their families at the Gilead mental health facility in Germany.

Derek Twigg: Gilead mental health facility is provided by a contract with Guy's and St. Thomas's Trust (GSTT) which has clear performance and clinical governance requirements which are reported and monitored regularly. As such, GSTT are responsible for the clinical governance of this service. This service has been assessed and subsequently validated by the South London and Maudsley (SLAM) NHS Foundation Trust and the Defence Consultant Advisor in Psychiatry.

Bombs

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the Government classify and define CRV-7 weapons.

Bob Ainsworth: CRV7 is 2.75inch/70mm unguided rocket system offering a range of motors, launchers and warheads depending upon mission objectives. The rocket is classified according to whether it will be fired from a fixed wing or helicopter platform and is further sub-classified according to the warhead that has been fitted to the round.

European Security and Defence Policy

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his French counterpart on  (a) European Security and Defence Policy,  (b) NATO and  (c) France's EU presidency between July and December 2008; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: I met the French Defence Minister for bilateral discussions during the UK-France summit held in London on 27 March. I also had the opportunity to meet him at the NATO summit held in Bucharest on 2-4 April.
	In the course of these meetings we discussed a range of issues, including European Security and Defence Policy, NATO, and France's EU presidency between July and December 2008.

HMS Argyll

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence where HMS Argyll has been deployed in 2008 to date; what plans he has for further deployments prior to its decommissioning; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: HMS Argyll was engaged in sea and pre-deployment training from April to October 2007 and has been deployed East of Suez, taking part in operations in the Arabian Gulf from October 2007 to April 2008. HMS Argyll is due to be removed from service in 2019. I am withholding HMS Argyll's future programme as its release would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of our armed forces.

Iraq: Detainees

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether individuals captured by British forces during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have at a subsequent time been held at the United States detention facilities at  (a) Bagram Theatre Internment Facility,  (b) Balad Special Forces Base,  (c) Camp Nama BIAP and  (d) Abu Ghraib prison.

Des Browne: I am withholding the information requested as its release would, or would be likely to, prejudice the effectiveness of our armed forces.
	However, I am confident in the processes that are in place to ensure that any persons captured by UK forces in either Iraq or Afghanistan and subsequently detained by US forces are held in accordance with the UK's policy and legal obligations.

Members: Correspondence

David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Walsall North of 25 February on a constituent (ref: MC01269/2008).

Derek Twigg: I replied to my hon. Friend on 22 April.

Military Aircraft

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the percentage shortfall requirement for a  (a) Hercules,  (b) Tornado and  (c) Typhoon aircraft was at the latest date for which figures are available.

Bob Ainsworth: Under the Hercules C-130 availability contract, performance is measured in terms of aircraft available for operations averaged across each calendar month. Spares availability is not measured.
	For Tornado, the current figures for spare demands satisfied are 97 per cent. for the Tornado F3 and 98 per cent. for the Tornado GR4, as recorded on 29 February 2008.
	Aircraft spares for Typhoon are partly provided direct from industry and partly by the MOD through an international contract. These arrangements are being built up as the RAF fleet grows and demands satisfied from MOD stocks average 68 per cent. as recorded on 29 February 2008.

Military Exercises: Nuclear Weapons

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates the last joint US-UK nuclear weapon accident exercise was held; where it was held; on what dates the next joint US-UK nuclear weapon accident exercise will be held; and where it will be held.

Des Browne: The last joint US/UK nuclear weapon accident exercise (Exercise DIMMING SUN 03) was held in Norfolk over the period 16-20 June 2003. The next joint US/UK nuclear weapon accident exercise is scheduled to be held in 2010, the date and location have yet to be determined.

Military Exercises: Nuclear Weapons

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the  (a) names,  (b) dates and  (c) locations will be of the nuclear weapons emergency exercises being organised by his Department in 2008.

Des Browne: Exercise ASTRAL CLIMB 08, which will test the operational response to a nuclear weapon convoy accident, will be held on 24 September 2008 in Cumbria.

Nuclear Disarmament

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to publish confidence-building verification methodologies for monitoring nuclear disarmament; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: The Atomic Weapons Establishment is engaged in developing technical methods and processes for verifying multilateral nuclear disarmament both nationally and in co-operation with several Norwegian defence laboratories. Progress is presented periodically to the conferences of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and related fora.
	Additionally, in his speech to the Conference on Disarmament in February this year, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence proposed the development of confidence building activities among the five recognised Nuclear Weapon States (NWS). This proposal has generated considerable interest among the wider international community. We are engaging with the other NWS to consider how this initiative should be taken forward.

Somalia: Piracy

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons no British naval vessels intervened to prevent the hijacking of the ice tug Svitzer Korsakov off the coast of Somalia on 1 February 2008; what the rules of engagement are for British and NATO ships in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: In line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS Article 100), the Royal Navy may come to the aid of vessels under attack by pirates in international waters. No Royal Navy vessels were in the vicinity of the Svitzer Korsakov at the time of its seizure. A warship was subsequently despatched to the area, ready to assist if required. In the event, British military intervention was not necessary.
	In circumstances of this kind, UK Service personnel are permitted to use reasonable force in self defence, or defence of others in accordance with our UK domestic law. It would not be appropriate for me to comment upon the rules of engagement of other nations.

WALES

Council Tax

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales pursuant to the answer of 20 March 2008,  Official Report, column 1329W, on council tax, what assessment has been made of the change in average council tax per dwelling solely as a result of the council tax revaluation and rebanding exercise and the phasing out of transitional relief.

Paul Murphy: Year-to-year changes in the level of Band D council tax have been the result of local authority budget decisions as stated in my answer of 20 March 2008,  Official Report, column 1329W.

Council Tax

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales pursuant to the answer of 20 March 2008,  Official Report, column 1329W, on council tax, whether the revaluation and rebanding exercise after the end of the transitional relief was revenue-neutral.

Paul Murphy: Yes, the revaluation and rebanding exercise was revenue-neutral in that the overall increase in council tax receipts in the year of revaluation was broadly in line with increases in the previous years. Year-to-year changes in the level of council tax receipts since then as set out in my answer of 20 March 2008,  Official Report, column 1329W, are the result of local authority budget decisions.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Firearms: Licensing

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average time was to process correctly completed application forms for firearms certificates in Northern Ireland in  (a) 2005,  (b) 2006 and  (c) 2007.

Paul Goggins: The Chief Constable has advised me that the average time taken to process correctly completed application forms for firearms certificates was 139 days in 2005, 80 days in 2006 and 73 days in 2007.

Firearms: Licensing

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received on the time taken to process correctly completed application forms for firearms certificates in Northern Ireland in the last three months.

Paul Goggins: No formal representations have been made to the Secretary of State in the last three months about the average processing time for correctly completed firearm certificate applications.

SCOTLAND

Departmental Data Protection

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland pursuant to the answer of 26th March 2008,  Official Report, column 157W, on departmental data protection, if he will include information assurance data from previous years on data loss incidents in his Department's next annual report.

David Cairns: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179 and the written ministerial statement made by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 17 December 2007,  Official Report, column 98WS. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data.
	The interim report of 17 December 2007 committed to put in place a programme to examine and improve data handling procedures. An update on this commitment will be included in the final report, expected in spring 2008, and this report will detail the information to be included by Departments on data loss in their annual reports.

Departmental Internet

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was spent on the most recent redesign and implementation of his departmental website.

David Cairns: The website of the Scotland Office was last redesigned in 2004 at a cost of £23,425.99.

Departmental Manpower

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many  (a) permanent civil service posts,  (b) permanent non-civil service posts and  (c) temporary or agency workers there were in his Department in each month since May 2005.

David Cairns: The staffing numbers of the Scotland Office are published in the office's annual report; figures are not maintained in the form requested.

Departmental Marketing

Greg Pope: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department spent on publicity and advertising in 2007-08.

David Cairns: Nothing.

Departmental Public Participation

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what  (a) surveys,  (b) questionnaires and  (c) other services were provided by polling companies for his Department in financial year 2007-08, broken down by company.

David Cairns: None.

TREASURY

Fuel Taxes

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to reduce fuel taxes for those living in rural areas.

Jane Kennedy: In the Budget the Government deferred the increase in fuel duty for six months in order to help motorists.

Energy Prices

Julie Morgan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects on the economy of the recent rises in energy prices.

Angela Eagle: Increases in global energy prices, driven by developments in the oil and wholesale gas markets, inevitably continue to influence UK inflationary pressure. And our Budget economic forecasts fully reflected the impact of these developments on the UK economy. However, the UK is better placed to respond to these challenges than in the past, with employment at record highs, inflation presently lower than in the euro area or the United States and the IMF expecting UK GDP growth to be the fastest in the G7 again this year.

Government Borrowing

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the level of Government borrowing benchmarked against other major economies.

Angela Eagle: Over the economic cycle that began in 1997-98, UK public sector net borrowing averaged 1.0 per cent. of GDP, whereas for both the euro area and OECD as a whole, borrowing averaged 2 per cent. of GDP over the same period.

Government Borrowing

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the level of Government borrowing benchmarked against other major economies.

Angela Eagle: Over the economic cycle that began in 1997-98, UK public sector net borrowing averaged 1.0 per cent. of GDP, whereas for both the euro area and OECD as a whole, borrowing averaged 2 per cent. of GDP over the same period.

Government Borrowing

Andrew MacKay: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer What assessment he has made of the level of Government borrowing benchmarked against other major economies.

Angela Eagle: Over the economic cycle that began in 1997-98, UK public sector net borrowing averaged 1.0 per cent. of GDP, whereas for both the euro area and OECD as a whole, borrowing averaged 2 per cent. of GDP over the same period.

Government Borrowing

Julian Brazier: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the level of Government borrowing benchmarked against other major economies.

Angela Eagle: Over the economic cycle that began in 1997-98, UK public sector net borrowing averaged 1.0 per cent. of GDP, whereas for both the euro area and OECD as a whole, borrowing averaged 2 per cent. of GDP over the same period.

Alcohol Duties

Eric Illsley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the increases in alcohol duties announced in Budget 2008.

Angela Eagle: Treasury Ministers and officials receive representations from a wide range of organisations and individuals in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government's practice to provide details of all such representations.

Welfare Tax Credits

Adam Holloway: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what inquiries are made into the immigration status and eligibility to receive public funds of a second-named person on a joint application for tax credits.

Jane Kennedy: HMRC takes fraud seriously and has a range of checks in place throughout the period of the claim. If fraud is suspected, payment is stopped. In the most serious cases, prosecution will be considered.
	HMRC use a number of tools to help them detect wrong and fraudulent claims. Cases requiring compliance intervention are selected using a risk-based approach, which examines the overall features of a claim.
	It would be inappropriate to disclose a complete list of verification checks as to do so may provide assistance to those attempting to defraud the system.

Banking Sector: Bad Debt

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with the banking sector on its exposure to bad debt.

Jane Kennedy: The Chancellor meets regularly with representatives of the banking sector and discusses a range of issues.
	The Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Housing Minister hosted a meeting with the mortgage and lending industry at No. 11 Downing street on Tuesday 22 April to discuss what the industry can do to support borrowers in difficulty during the current period of turbulence in global financial markets.

Higher Education: Expenditure

Ben Chapman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the effects on the economy of expenditure on higher education.

Yvette Cooper: As Lord Leitch set out in his independent report on the UK's long-term skills needs, a highly skilled workforce drives innovation, leadership and management, enabling business to compete in the global economy.
	He found that improving the skills profile of the UK workforce over time has contributed to economic growth.
	By 2011, funding for higher education will have increased by over 30 per cent. in real terms since 1997. In addition, since 1997, funding for the ringfenced science budget has increased from £1.3 billion to £3.4 billion.

Average Earnings

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his most recent estimate is of  (a) the rate of inflation and  (b) the annual change in average earnings.

Angela Eagle: In March 2008, the annual rate of inflation as measured by the consumer prices index (CPI) was 2.5 per cent. The annual change in average earnings as measured by the annual earnings index (AEI) including bonuses was 3.7 per cent. in February 2008.

Air Passenger Duty

Graham Brady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations his Department has received from overseas Governments on the legality of the proposed aviation duty.

Angela Eagle: The aviation duty formal consultation period ends today. The Treasury is unable to make an assessment of representations received from foreign Governments during the consultation period until the consultation formally closes.

Capital Gains Tax

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates he has made of the likely receipts to the Exchequer from setting capital gains tax rates at the taxpayer's marginal rate of tax in 2008-09.

Jane Kennedy: A broad estimate of the eventual steady state impact, taking account of the likely taxpayer response to such a change, is additional receipts in the order of £2 billion a year by comparison with the current capital gains tax regime.
	A reform of this kind would result in a large behavioural response and as such estimates are susceptible to a wide margin of error.

Excise Duties: Motor Vehicles

Greg Knight: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the percentage change in vehicle excise duty for a Nissan Micra will be as a result of the changes to vehicle excise duty announced in Budget 2008.

Angela Eagle: Nissan produces, and has over the years produced, a number of different models of Micra. These have a range of carbon dioxide emissions outputs from 125g to 175g /km.
	Using 2008-09 rates of VED and the current Micra as a baseline, the percentage change varies between -25 per cent. and +21 per cent. in 2009-10, and between -21 per cent. and +24 per cent. in 2010-11, reflecting the fact that there is a range of emissions choices with this model of car, as there are with many others.
	If the current Micra model range remains unchanged, the percentage change for a newly licensed Micra under first year rates of VED in 2010-11 lies between -100 per cent. and +76 per cent. depending on the emissions choice.

Income Tax: Tax Allowances

Stephen Byers: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  by how much the personal allowance would need to be increased in order to remove an additional  (a) 500,000,  (b) 1,000,000 and  (c) 1,500,000 people from income tax liability; and what the cost would be;
	(2)  what increase in the personal allowance would be created by an increase in funding of £8 billion; and how many people would be removed from any income tax liability as a result of such an increase.

Jane Kennedy: Approximate estimates for 2008-09 can be found in the following table.
	
		
			  Increase in personal allowance( 1)  Cost( 2)  (£ billion)  Number taken out of tax (thousand) 
			 £470 5.5 500 
			 £690 8.0 700 
			 £960 11.1 1,000 
			 £1,430 16.4 1,500 
			 (1) Personal allowance for individuals below the age of 65.The personal allowances for individuals aged 65 and over are assumed to stay the same. (2) Includes the accruals cost of both income tax and national insurance contributions 
		
	
	The income tax information is based on the Survey of Personal Incomes 2005-06 projected in line with Budget 2008 assumptions. The national insurance contributions estimates are taken from the NICs forecasting model based on the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2004-05 uprated in line with Budget 2008 assumptions. The figures exclude any estimate of behavioural response.

Income Tax: Tax Rates and Bands

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people were paying income tax at the 10 pence rate on the entirety of their taxable income in  (a) Thurrock,  (b) Essex and  (c) Scotland on the latest date for which figures are available.

Jane Kennedy: The estimated number of taxpayers in Scotland paying tax only at the starting rate of income tax for 2007-08 is shown in table 2.2 "Number of individual income taxpayers by country and region", which is available from HM Revenue and Customs website.
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_tax/menu.htm
	Accurate information on the number of taxpayers who pay income tax at the 10p starting rate for geographic areas below country and region are not available but information on the total number of taxpayers in the county of Essex and Thurrock unitary authority are shown in table T3.14, and for the parliamentary constituency of Thurrock in table T3.15. These tables can be found at the HM Revenue and Customs website.
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income distribution/menu.htm
	These estimates are based on the latest available Survey of Personal Incomes (2005-06).

Personal Income: Peterborough

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many individuals in Peterborough constituency classified as being without children for tax credits purposes who are employed  (a) full-time and  (b) part-time earn between £5,000 and £18,000 per annum; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: The information requested is not available.
	Further information on tax credits can be found at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog-stats.htm

Public Expenditure

Philip Dunne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much additional public spending under the Barnett formula is expected to be received by  (a) Scotland,  (b) Wales and  (c) Northern Ireland in (i) 2008-09, (ii) 2009-10, (iii) 2010-11 and (iv) 2011-12 as a result of public spending on the London 2012 Olympics.

Yvette Cooper: The 2012 Olympics is being held on behalf of the whole of the UK. It is therefore not devolved spending and there are no Barnett consequentials for Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Wider spending on London does attract Barnett consequentials in the normal way.

Public Sector Debt

Andrew Selous: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the accuracy of his Department's forecasts for public sector debt and public borrowing over the last five years.

Yvette Cooper: The end of year fiscal report (EYFR) published alongside the pre-Budget report provides a clear and transparent assessment of public sector debt and public borrowing forecasts.

Taxation

James Arbuthnot: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Inland Revenue assessments were held in abeyance pending the outcome of Jones  v. Garnett; what proportion of those assessments have been abandoned following the decision in that case; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The information requested is not available.
	However, cases in abeyance pending the court judgment have been disposed of in three different ways. Cases with facts in line with the Jones case were closed down very quickly. Some others have been settled with tax being payable. And there are some cases where the arguments have not been affected by the terms of the court judgment, some of which are still being resolved.

INNOVATION, UNIVERSITIES AND SKILLS

Electronic Government

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills whether mechanisms are in place to monitor the extent to which his Department's  (a) internal and  (b) external (i) correspondence and (ii) distribution of publications is carried out electronically.

David Lammy: The information requested is as follows:
	 Internal
	The vast majority of internal communications is distributed electronically, including correspondence. All internal publications are distributed through the intranet or email.
	 External
	For external correspondence, we have data and full monitoring on the shared correspondence service with DCSF—which covers our Skills and Higher Education policy areas. The combined email/letter split for DIUS and DCSF in 2007 was 63 per cent. email and 37 per cent. letter. In the quarter January—March 2008 on the 3,777 DIUS cases answered, 53 per cent. were by email, 47 per cent. by letter.
	We do not yet have tracking figures for the shared correspondence service with BERR—who have been dealing with Science and Innovation correspondence since this Department was created in June 2007.
	For distribution of publications externally: the Department is able to monitor the number of requests to the publications section of the DIUS corporate site and tracks the number of electronic downloads.

Higher Education: Prisoners

Robert Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how much of the budget allocated for spending on higher education in prisons was used to fund the tutorial costs of those students already engaged in courses of higher study in the latest period for which figures are available.

Bill Rammell: Aside from the Offenders' Learning and Skills Unit's arrangement to support Open University study, there is no budget allocated for spending on higher education in prisons, or for those prisoners released on temporary licence to study full time higher education.
	The Department set aside a budget of £287,000 in 2007-08 to meet the additional costs of providing tutorial support for prisoners studying Open University courses. The Open University operates a fee waiver arrangement for prisoners studying second and subsequent course modules; and my Department supports this by meeting the Open University's additional costs in providing tutorial support while the learner remains a prisoner.
	The Learning and Skills Council's provider of learning and skills for prisoners also provides informal, practical support for Open University and other higher education students who are prisoners as they continue their studies.

Overseas Students: Finance

Robert Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what proportion of students from EU member states other than the UK received financial assistance from the public purse  (a) for tuition fees and  (b) living costs in each year for which figures are available.

Bill Rammell: EC nationals are eligible for tuition fee support only, provided that they have been ordinarily resident in the EEA and Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course.
	The following table shows the number of new and continuing students in each academic year and those who received tuition fee support. Prior to 2006/07, this support was in the form of a means-tested grant. Since 2006/07, new students were eligible to apply for a non-means-tested loan.
	10 countries acceded to the EC in May 2004, which has resulted in an increase in student numbers.
	
		
			  EU domiciled students studying in England by support received 
			   EU domiciled students( 1)  Students receiving fee grants( 2)  Students receiving fee loans  Percentage  receiving fee grants  Percentage  receiving fee loans 
			 1999/2000 79,600 20,100 — 25 — 
			 2000/01 79,300 23,600 — 30 — 
			 2001/02 73,900 19,100 — 26 — 
			 2002/03 72,500 17,400 — 24 — 
			 2003/04 70,800 15,700 — 22 — 
			 2004/05 78,400 16,400 — 21 — 
			 2005/06 82,600 17,000 — 21 — 
			 2006/07 86,500 10,600 8,300 12 10 
			 (1) Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Figures are on a snapshot basis as of the 1 December for comparability across the years. (2) Source: Student Loans Company (SLC). Since 2006/07 a student may be in receipt of either a grant (continuing students) or a loan (new students). 
		
	
	Only EEA and Swiss migrant workers and certain family members who have been ordinarily resident in the EEA and Switzerland and EC nationals who have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands may be eligible to the full support package.

Students: Loans

Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what proportion of 18 to 30-year-olds received a student loan in each year since 1997, broken down by local government area.

Bill Rammell: Information on the proportion of students taking out loans is not available at a local authority level or by age group. National information is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Eligibility and take-up of maintenance loans in England  a cademic  y ears 2001/02 to 2006/07( 1) 
			  Academic year  Eligible Population ( Thousand )  Number of loans taken out ( Thousand )  Take up of loans by eligible population ( Percentage ) 
			 2001/02 768 629 82 
			 2002/03 816 666 82 
			 2003/04 840 682 81 
			 2004/05 874 693 79 
			 2005/06 897 719 80 
			 2006/07 n/a 727 n/a 
			 (1) Provisional. n/a = not available  Source: Loan figures provided by Student Loans Company 
		
	
	Consistent national information is not available before 2001/02. In addition to the maintenance loans covered in the table, tuition fee loans have been available to eligible students from 2006/07. In that year 387,000 tuition fee loans were taken out.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Abkhazia: Politics and Government

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria the Government use in determining its policy on whether Abkhazia should be recognised as an independent country.

Jim Murphy: The Government do not recognise Abkhazia as an independent state, but consider it to be part of the territory of Georgia which the UK recognised in 1992.
	The international community has consistently reaffirmed Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty including through successive UN Security Council Resolutions on Georgia, most recently UN Security Council Resolution 1781 (2007) of 15 October 2007, in which the Security Council
	"reaffirms the commitment of all member states to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders".

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will provide a line-item breakdown of contracts with private military and security companies in Afghanistan for 2006-07 indicating which line-items  (a) are new,  (b) have received increased funding and  (c) have received decreased funding since 2005.

David Miliband: It is not possible to provide a line-item breakdown of contracts with private military and security companies in Afghanistan in 2006-07 for reasons of commercial confidentiality and security, although I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk (Mr. Moore) on 14 November 2007,  Official Report, column 319W, and also to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker) on 20 March 2007,  Official Report, column 841W, which detail the overall value of our security contracts in Afghanistan.
	I can confirm that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office had two main contracts with private and military security companies in Afghanistan in financial year 2006-07, the first for security services and the second for police mentors and advisers. The security services contract was re-tendered in late 2006 and the police mentors and advisers contract was tendered in mid 2007. Both were awarded to ArmorGroup Services Limited.
	The security services and the police mentors and advisers contracts have both received increased funding since 2005.

Chevening Scholarships Programme

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications there were for  (a) Chevening and  (b) Commonwealth scholarships in each of the last five years.

David Miliband: Applications for Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships are made respectively to our overseas posts and to nominating agencies in Commonwealth countries. It would incur disproportionate cost to compile these figures.

Chile: Terrorism

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his Department has received of  (a) bomb threats in Santiago, Chile since 17 March 2008,  (b) the explosion of an incendiary device on 19 March 2008 and  (c) the Government of Chile's response to these events; what assessment he has made of these matters; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: A number of institutions in Santiago, including offices and the main court building, received bomb threats in the lead up to 29 March 2008, the anniversary of the 1985 assassination of brothers Rafael and Eduardo Vergara Toledo by the Pinochet regime. At 01.00 local time on 18 March, an explosive device was detonated outside a branch of Banco de Credito e Inversiones in the Providencia district of Santiago. There was extensive damage to the building as a result of the blast but no injuries were reported.
	Local anarchist groups have claimed responsibility. The Chilean authorities are investigating the incidents.

China: Politics and Government

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his Department has received of the policies  (a) proposed and  (b) implemented by Zhang Qingli in his capacity as Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party of China Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee from 2004 to 2006; what assessment he has made of such policies; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: We have not made an assessment of Zhang Qingli's policies during his tenure from 2004 to 2006 as deputy secretary in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. We do however continue to monitor the situation in Xinjiang and remain concerned by reports of human rights violations in the region, including restrictions on the peaceful exercise of political, cultural and religious rights. We regularly raise these concerns with the Chinese Government and did so most recently at the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue, which took place in Beijing in January.

China: Politics and Government

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his Department has received of the activities of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps in China; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: The Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) is a governmental organisation based in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR). We understand that the XPCC effectively has administrative authority over a number of cities, farms and settlements across the XUAR region and performs governmental functions such as health care, education and civil policing for areas under its jurisdiction. In this context, we are also aware that the XPCC has a role in running some prisons in the area. The stated goals of the XPCC are to develop frontier regions, promote economic development, ensure social stability and ethnic harmony, and counter the East Turkestan independence movement.

China: Politics and Government

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his Department has received of the policies  (a) proposed and  (b) implemented by Zhang Qingli since his election as Secretary of the Communist Party of China Tibet Autonomous Regional Committee; what assessment he has made of such policies; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: We recognise that Zhang Qingli has been party secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Region since 2005 and as such has been responsible for implementing Beijing's policies, including the 'Develop the West' campaign and China's policies designed to promote economic development in Tibet. While we welcome the economic development in Tibet, we hope that more will be done to ensure that Tibetans will benefit. We continue to raise our concerns on Tibet with the Chinese Government, in particular with regard to the handling of recent unrest in the region.

Colombia: Armed Conflict

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his Department has received of claims by the government of Colombia concerning financial support of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia by the government of Venezuela; what assessment he has made of such claims; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: We are aware of these allegations. Clearly it would be a matter of concern if any country were supporting a terrorist organisation, wherever that was and whatever form that support took. Therefore it is encouraging that Rio Group members reiterated on 7 March their
	"commitment to fighting the security threats to all states from the activities undertaken by irregular groups and criminal organisations, in particular those with ties to drug trafficking activities".

Colombia: Uranium

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what reports his Department has received of claims that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia were planning to be involved in or were involved in black market transactions of uranium; what assessment he has made of such claims; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what reports his Department has received of claims by the Colombian Government of a uranium seizure on 26 March 2008; what assessment he has made of such claims; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: We are aware of the Colombian Government's statement that they have come into the possession of information suggesting that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have been seeking to obtain uranium. We are also aware of the recent reporting on this matter, including the Colombian military's capture of uranium, in the international press. We would be greatly concerned if the FARC, a terrorist organisation proscribed by the EU, were involved in the procurement of radioactive material. We will monitor this situation closely.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Ethnic Groups

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the  (a) nature and  (b) activity of the Bundu dia Kongo in the Bas-Congo province of Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: The Bundu dia Kongo is a politico-religious movement established to represent the ethnic Kongo population in western Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the wider region. It provides cultural and educational support and a political voice for its members. However, elements within the Bundu dia Kongo have become militant and turned to violent means to further their cause. The Bundu dia Kongo poses unacceptable challenges to some state institutions in the DRC.
	The Government support the statement issued by the EU on 17 March 2008, which called for the authority of the state to be upheld and for talks between the DRC Government and Bundu dia Kongo's political leaders. We wish to see multi-party democracy with space for the opposition in the DRC, underpinned by the rule of law and effective institutions.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Peacekeeping Operations

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the level of activity by United Nations peacekeeping personnel in the Bas-Congo province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the inception of the United Nations Organisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: The UN maintains a permanent office in Matadi, the provincial capital of Bas Congo, and has a peace keeping presence in the province as part of its mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Additional peace keepers have deployed to Bas Congo following outbreaks of violence in the province in January and February 2007. The UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for the DRC called for a peaceful resolution to violence in the province in February 2008. In March 2008 the UN deployed peace keepers and military observers to protect the civilian population in Bas Congo, assess events in the province and support the local authorities.
	The UN faces significant challenges in maintaining peace in the Bas Congo province. Violence has occurred in various locations across the province and transporting troops is difficult because of the weak local infrastructure. The UN mission has commitments across the DRC, particularly in the east of the country, which have to be met to prevent a return to conflict.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Politics and Government

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his Department has received of political action in the Bas-Congo region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 19 March 2008; what assessment he has made of  (a) such reports and  (b) the number of casualties; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: The violence which took place in the Bas Congo province in early 2008 is under investigation by the UN. A report is expected in due course. It has not yet been possible to determine reliably the number of casualties either of the violence on 19 March or of the clashes in Bas Congo in 2008 overall.
	I am concerned by the violence seen since January in Bas Congo. The development of democratic governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) depends on representation of diverse political views, tolerance of opposition, respect for human rights and effective and accountable state institutions. I support the recent EU statement on events in the province, which called for the authority of the state to be upheld and for talks between the DRC Government and the political leaders of the Bundu dia Kongo, whose members have clashed with the Congolese security forces.

Departmental Marketing

Greg Pope: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on publicity and advertising in 2007-08.

Meg Munn: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) does not keep a central record of amounts spent on publicity and advertising. The information required to answer this question could only be obtained by requiring individual budget holders in the FCO to examine all invoices for the required year. This could be done only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Sick Leave

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many working days were lost by his Department due to stress-related illness in each of the last 24 months.

Meg Munn: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is committed to protecting the health, welfare and productivity of its staff. Our occupational stress policy provides guidance for staff and managers on recognising and dealing with stress and on reducing the causes of stress in the workplace. We provide further support through a team of welfare officers, referral to our occupational health service and access to a 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
	The number of working days lost in each of the last 24 months, which FCO staff have declared to be stress-related are as follows:
	
		
			   Number 
			  2006  
			 April 176 
			 May 160 
			 June 180 
			 July 160 
			 August 143 
			 September 156 
			 October 103 
			 November 105 
			 December 110 
			  2007  
			 January 129 
			 February 165 
			 March 356 
			 April 208 
			 May 230 
			 June 196 
			 July 191 
			 August 170 
			 September 94 
			 October 112 
			 November 193 
			 December 203 
			  2008  
			 January 97 
			 February 95 
			 March 94

Departmental Sick Leave

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many days sick leave were taken on average by staff in his Department in each of the last five years.

Meg Munn: The average number of days sick leave reported by Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) staff in each of the last five years are:
	
		
			   Days 
			 2003-04 3.9 
			 2004-05 4.8 
			 2005-06 4.2 
			 2006-07 3.5 
			 2007-08 3.8 
		
	
	On 1 January 2008 the FCO introduced new sickness absence reporting arrangements, which should lead to more accurate reporting of sickness absence figures.

Departmental Sick Leave

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of his Department's staff took more than  (a) five,  (b) 10,  (c) 15,  (d) 20,  (e) 25,  (f) 30,  (g) 35 and  (h) 40 days leave due to stress in each of the last five years, broken down by pay grade.

Meg Munn: We are unable to provide a breakdown of figures for staff in each grade who took stress-related leave in each of the categories requested by the hon. Member. The numbers in each category would be so small that they risk exposing the individuals concerned to the risk of being identified.
	The following table sets out aggregated numbers for staff who took five or more days sick absence due to illness declared as stress-related in the last five years:
	
		
			   Number 
			 2003-04 36 
			 2004-05 58 
			 2005-06 75 
			 2006-07 46 
			 2007-08 48

Disabled

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what targets his Department has set in relation to its employment of people with disabilities over the next five years.

Meg Munn: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, along with other central Government Departments, has agreed with the Cabinet Office targets for the percentage of employees in the senior management structure (SMS), senior civil service equivalent, who have declared a disability. The current SMS target is 3.2 per cent. by April 2008. No targets have currently been set for beyond this period: the employment of people who have declared a disability is one of several diversity issues to be discussed and agreed with the Cabinet Office for action after April 2008.

Fragile States

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries are classified by his Department as  (a) fragile and  (b) failing states; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not keep a list of fragile and failing states. However, we closely monitor countries and regions at risk of instability.

Hamas

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government have had discussions or other contact with Hamas in the last 12 months.

Kim Howells: The Government have had contacts with Hamas in the past 12 months as part of consular efforts to secure the release of kidnapped journalist Alan Johnson only. All contact with Hamas ceased on Mr Johnson's release.

Hezbollah

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government have had discussions or other contact with Hezbollah in the last 12 months.

Kim Howells: The Government have had no contact with Hezbollah in the last 12 months. The UK's policy on contacts with Hezbollah's political wing is based on our assessment of their behaviour and our judgment of whether such contacts would encourage them to move away from violence and play a constructive role in Lebanese politics. We continue to call on Hezbollah to abide by all relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, in particular Resolutions 1701 and 1559, including by disarmament and peaceful participation in Lebanese politics.

Iran: Sanctions

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the UK has taken to comply with the new sanctions provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1803 on Iran.

David Miliband: The UK has implemented UN Security Council Resolution 1803 (2008) in the following ways:
	The UK Border Agency and HM Treasury have added the individuals and entities listed in the resolution to their consolidated UK lists of individuals and entities subject to travel bans and assets freezes.
	Through Common Positions 2007/140/CFSP and 2001/246/CFSP the EU has already banned the supply of goods and technology listed by the Security Council in Resolution 1803 (2008) to Iran, as well as export credit insurance for trade concerning the supply of items on the Nuclear Suppliers Group and Missile Technology Control Regime lists.
	The Security Council has called upon all states to exercise vigilance over the activities of all banks domiciled in Iran, in particular Bank Melli and Bank Saderat, and their branches and subsidiaries abroad. On 4 March 2008 HM Treasury published a notice on its website alerting the UK financial sector to this provision. The notice is available at:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/9/C/fin_sanctions_iran_notification_040308.pdf.
	HM Revenue and Customs already conducts routine checks on international cargo according to specific criteria based on risk and intelligence.

Iraq: Peacekeeping Operations

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether UK forces have been engaged in active operations with US forces in Task Force 6-26.

Des Browne: holding answer 26 March 2008
	I have been asked to reply.
	I am withholding the information requested as its release would or would be likely to prejudice international relations.

Kenya: Human Rights

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' report on Kenya, with specific reference to the question of amnesty; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: The Government welcome the report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Kenya and fully supports its recommendations. The Government agree that perpetrators of gross human rights violations should not be recommended for amnesty. The culture of impunity contributed to the scale of violence in the immediate post-election period. It is vital that those who participate in or incite violence face justice.

Kosovo: Nationality

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government consider Serbs living in Kosovo to be of Serbian or Kosovan nationality.

Jim Murphy: Inhabitants of Kosovo can determine their nationality according to their eligibility under the laws of any relevant country.

Middle East: Politics and Government

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment the Government have made of the viability of a two-state solution in the Middle East without involvement of  (a) Hamas and  (b) Hezbollah.

Kim Howells: The UK wholly supports President Abbas and the Palestinian Authority. We believe that the Annapolis process, including negotiations between President Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Olmert represents the best way forward towards a viable two-state solution in accordance with their Roadmap committments.
	The UK believes that Palestinian unity will be crucial to the creation of a Palestinian state. We believe it is for the Palestinian parties to decide when they are ready to engage with one another. President Abbas has made clear his conditions for dialogue. We have also made clear that without significant movement on the part of Hamas to meet the Quartet's principles, we will be unable to engage with them.

Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty

Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on the steps towards nuclear disarmament agreed at the 2000 review conference on the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

Kim Howells: The UK is fulfilling all its obligations under the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT), including those on disarmament under article VI of the treaty. We continue to support the relevant disarmament measures contained in the final document from the NPT Review Conference in 2000, including the 13 practical steps towards disarmament, and we have a good record on meeting the priorities they set out. Not all the 13 steps are relevant to the UK, such as those relating to bilateral measures between the US and Russia.

Peacekeeping Operations: Private Sector

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans to introduce legislation to regulate private military and security companies.

Kim Howells: In late 2004, my right hon. Friend the then Foreign Secretary (Mr. Straw) requested a review by officials of the options for the regulation of the overseas operations of private military and security companies, registered in or operating from the UK. This applies to private military and security companies operating both in Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas. This was to follow up on the Green Paper of 2002, 'Private Military Companies: Options for Regulation' and to respond to the increase in activities of private military and security companies in areas of conflict overseas.
	The review was completed in mid-2005 and suggested a number of options for ways in which the industry could be better managed. The review highlighted some complex issues, particularly in designating which activities should be regulated and how this could be implemented. This issue, along with the options for more effective supervision, continues to be the subject of Ministerial correspondence and official consultation. The Government have undertaken to keep Parliament fully informed of their proposals in this area. If it is decided that regulation is appropriate, the Government will put the proposals to public consultation.

Russia: Foreign Relations

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last held discussions with his Russian counterpart; what was discussed; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in the margins of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Summit on 3 April. Their discussion focused on the Middle East, including the Middle East Peace Process and Iran.

Russia: Politics and Government

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of Russian policy towards independence of  (a) South Ossetia,  (b) Abkhazia and  (c) Kosovo.

Jim Murphy: Russia, like the UK, does not recognise South Ossetia or Abkhazia as independent states. In successive Resolutions, most recently Resolution 1781 (2007), the UN Security Council has reaffirmed the commitment of all member states to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. We look to Russia to use her influence constructively to help bring about the peaceful settlement of both unresolved conflicts.
	Russia does not recognise Kosovo as an independent state. The UK recognised Kosovo on 18 February 2008.

Russia: TNK-BP

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the recent  (a) accusations and  (b) investigations against TNK-BP (i) employees and (ii) interests in Russia; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: We are aware that on 19 and 20 March, the Russian authorities conducted searches at the Moscow offices of both TNK-BP, and BP. Files and computer servers were seized and company employees were questioned. We are also aware that on 25 March BP recalled 148 of its secondees from TNK-BP following a problem with their legal status. Most of the staff affected, including British nationals, have decided to remain in Moscow until the dispute is resolved. On the same day the Russian Interior Ministry launched an investigation into alleged tax evasion at a former subsidiary of TNK-BP.
	We are in touch with the companies and continue to monitor the situation closely. We welcome the recent statement by Russia's President-elect, Dmitry Medvedev, that actions against TNK-BP were not politically motivated. We expect any investigations by the Russian authorities to be conducted with full transparency and in accordance with Russian law.

Somalia: Armed Conflict

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his Department has received of the fighting in Mogadishu on 19 March 2008; what assessment he has made of such reports; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: There was an insurgent attack on an Ethiopian base near a livestock market in northern Mogadishu on 19 March 2008. During the fighting eight people are reported to have been killed, including two civilians.
	The Government are concerned about the ongoing violence in Mogadishu and call on all parties to renounce violence and commit to resolving their differences through dialogue. We support the efforts of the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia to facilitate such dialogue.

Somalia: Peacekeeping Operations

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions  (a) he,  (b) his Department and  (c) UK representatives have had with (i) members and (ii) representatives of (A) the governments of member states of the European Union, (B) the Government of Russia, (C) the Government of the United States, (D) the governments of member states of the African Union, (E) the Government of Ethiopia, (F) the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia and (G) the United Nations Secretariat on the (1) security situation in, (2) humanitarian situation in, (3) political stability of, (4) African Union deployment in and (5) UN augmentation or replacement of the African Union deployment in Somalia; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: The Government maintain regular contact, at ministerial and official level, with all parties the hon. Member lists in his question, including:
	EU Heads of Mission meetings in Nairobi; EU Political Counsellors meetings in Nairobi; Africa Working Group meetings in Brussels; bilateral meetings with officials of member governments of the EU;
	bilateral discussions with: the USA; member states of the African Union, including Ethiopia, and the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia; and
	discussions in New York and Nairobi with the United Nations Secretariat and with member states of the UN Security Council, including Russia, USA and members who are also EU and African Union members.
	For example, my noble Friend the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, the right hon. Lord Malloch-Brown, met President Abdullahi Yusuf in London on 21 January 2008; Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein in Addis Ababa on 1 February 2008; and the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative, Ahmedou Ould Abdalla, in London on 17 March 2008.
	All discussions aim to maintain a coordinated international response to improve the political, security and humanitarian situation in Somalia and to support the Transitional Federal Institutions and Transitional Federal Government to restore peace, stability and governance to Somalia, as envisaged in the Transitional Federal Charter.

South Ossetia: Politics and Government

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria the Government use in determining its policy on whether South Ossetia should be recognised as an independent country.

Jim Murphy: The Government do not recognise South Ossetia as an independent state, but consider it to be part of the territory of Georgia which the UK recognised in 1992.
	The international community has consistently reaffirmed Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty including through successive UN Security Council resolutions on Georgia, most recently resolution 1781 (2007) of 15 October 2007, in which the Security Council
	"reaffirms the commitment of all Member states to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders".

Taiwan: Politics and Government

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria the Government use in determining their policy on whether Taiwan should be recognised as an independent country.

Meg Munn: The Government's long-standing position is that it does not recognise Taiwan as an independent State. We acknowledge the position of the Chinese Government that Taiwan is a province of China and recognise the Chinese Government as the sole legal Government of China.

Timor Leste: Death

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss the New South Wales coroner's findings on the death of the British journalist Brian Peters in Balibo, East Timor in 1975 with the Australian Prime Minister on his forthcoming visit to the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary did not discuss the death of Brian Peters when he met with the Australian Prime Minister earlier this month.
	However, I plan to raise this issue with the Australian government to find out how the case is progressing and seek an indication as to when the process might be completed.

Yemen: Armed Conflict

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the activity by rebels under the command of Abdul-Malik al Houthi  (a) since the signing of the agreement between his group and the government of Yemen on 1 February 2008,  (b) between June and September 2007 and  (c) between 2004 and 2007; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The Government of Yemen has been fighting a series of internal conflicts with al-Houthi-led rebels in the Governorate of Sa'dah since 2004. This conflict is an internal matter, driven by a complicated mix of tribal, religious and economic factors. We acknowledge the need for the Government of Yemen to maintain security within its borders. However, we have called for dialogue between the Government of Yemen and the Houthis to try to achieve a ceasefire. A recent Qatari-led mediation effort has achieved a pause in the fighting. This is fragile, and we continue to receive reports of sporadic violence in isolated areas. But we welcome the Qatari mediation effort and consider it the best route to achieving a lasting peace in Sa'dah.

Yemen: Politics and Government

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions  (a) he,  (b) his Department and  (c) UK representatives have had with (i) members and (ii) representatives of the government of (A) the United States, (B) members of the European Union, (C) Russia and (D) Yemen on the (1) social, (2) humanitarian and (3) political situation in Yemen; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The UK is a leading western donor to Yemen. Officials from our Embassy in Sana'a have almost daily contact with the US, EU member states resident in Yemen and the Yemeni Government, regularly raising political, humanitarian and development issues. In addition, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office meets frequently with officials from the Yemeni embassy in London. I have visited Yemen on two occasions since becoming a Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and hope to do so again soon. I have raised Yemen's developmental and political situation with the Yemeni Prime Minister, Minister of the Interior and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Yemen: Politics and Government

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the action taken by the government of Yemen in the north of the country since January 2007; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The Government of Yemen has been fighting a series of internal conflicts with al-Huthi-led rebels in the Governorate of Sa'dah since 2004. This conflict is an internal matter and we acknowledge the need for the Government of Yemen to maintain security within its borders. We have also called for care to avoid civilian casualties and for dialogue between the Government of Yemen and the Huthis to try to achieve a ceasefire. A recent Qatari-led mediation effort has achieved a pause in the fighting, although we continue to receive reports of sporadic violence in isolated areas. We welcome the Qatari mediation effort and consider it the best route to achieving a lasting peace in Sa'dah.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

Charities: Fraud

Jo Swinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster pursuant to the answer of 3 April 2008,  Official Report, column 1140W, on charities: fraud, what steps he plans to take to ensure that copies of the leaflet are printed and distributed to households in Scotland.

Phil Hope: Charity law and regulation, including the charitable collections of goods, is devolved and a matter for the Scottish Government.

Charity Commission: Manpower

Danny Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 
	(1)  how many people were employed by the Charity Commission in each of the last 30 years;
	(2)  how many people  (a) resigned and  (b) retired from the Charity Commission in each of the last 30 years;
	(3)  how many people employed by the Charity Commission had salaries between  (a) £20,000 and £30,000,  (b) £30,000 and £40,000,  (c) £40,000 and £50,000,  (d) £50,000 and £60,000,  (e) £60,000 and £70,000,  (f) £70,000 and £80,000,  (g) £80,000 and £90,000,  (h) £90,000 and £100,000,  (i) £100,000 and £110,000,  (j) £110,000 and £120,000,  (k) £120,000 and £130,000  (l) £130,000 and £140,000,  (m) £140,000 and £150,000,  (n) £150,000 and £160,000,  (o) £160,000 and £170,000,  (p) £170,000 and £180,000  (q) £180,00 and £190,000  (r) £190,000 and £200,000 and  (s) over £200,000 in each of the last 30 years; and what the (i) mean and (ii) median salary of employees was in each of those years.

Phil Hope: These are matters for the Charity Commission as the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales. The Commission's Chief Executive will write to you and a copy of his response will be placed in the House Library.

Charity Commission: Pensions

Danny Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what the cash equivalent transfer value is of the public sector pension of the Chief Executive of the Charity Commission.

Phil Hope: It is not appropriate to disclose values for staff, other than those whose details are reported in Remuneration Reports in the Department's Resource Accounts. A copy of the Charity Commission's Resource Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2007 is available in the Library of the House.

Charity Commission: Pensions

Danny Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what pension scheme is offered to staff joining the Charity Commission; and if he will place in the Library details of the terms and benefits of the scheme.

Phil Hope: New entrants to the civil service are covered by the civil service pension arrangements. Staff can choose between 'nuvos', a defined benefit pension scheme and 'partnership', a stakeholder pension. If a person is being re-employed, and was previously a member of a civil service pension scheme, they may be able to rejoin their previous scheme, but this will depend on the length of time since they were last employed.
	In respect of members of the defined benefit schemes, employer contribution rates are assessed for each of four ranges of pay levels. The rates for 2008-09 are:
	
		
			  Band  Full-time annual salary  Rate from 1 April 2008 
			 Band 1 £19,500 and under 17.1 
			 Band 2 £19,501 to £40,500 19.5 
			 Band 3 £40,501 to £69,000 23.2 
			 Band 4 £69,001 and above 25.5 
		
	
	The scheme rules are laid before Parliament and copies are in the House Library.
	For members of 'partnership', the employer pays a basic contribution of between 3 per cent. and 12.5 per cent. (depending on the age of the member) into a stakeholder pension product and will match the member's contribution up to a limit of 3 per cent. Employers also contribute a further 0.8 per cent. of pensionable salary to cover the cost of risk benefit cover (death in service and ill health retirement).
	Details of the civil service pension arrangements can be found on the Civil Service Pensions website:
	http://www.civilservice-pensions.gov.uk.

Children

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what estimate he has made of the proportion of children brought up in  (a) two parent families and  (b) single parent families in each ethnic group in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Miliband: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 24 April 2008:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what estimate has been made of the proportion of children brought up in (a) two parent families and (b) single parent families in each ethnic group in the latest period for which figures are available. (201194)
	The proportion of dependent children in families in the UK can be estimated using the Labour Force Survey (LFS). Table 1 is based on the latest UK family estimates for 2007 and shows the percentage of dependent children in lone parent and couple families according to the ethnicity of the child.
	
		
			  Table 1: Percentage of dependent children in UK families by ethnicity of child, 2007 
			   Couple  Lone parent 
			 White 77 23 
			 Mixed 61 39 
			 Asian or Asian British 85 15 
			 Black or Black British 50 50 
			 Chinese 78 22 
			 Other ethnic group 68 32 
			 Total 76 24 
			  Note: This table excludes children not in a family and children whose ethnicity was not available  Source: LFS quarterly data, April to June, not seasonally adjusted

Police

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will ask the Cabinet Secretary to make a formal statement on the appropriateness of the Home Office announcement of 16 April on police during the local elections purdah period.

Edward Miliband: I refer the hon. Member to the Cabinet Secretary's letter to him of 18 April 2008, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

Prostate Cancer

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in each of the last five years.

Edward Miliband: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated April 2008.
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many men were diagnosed with having prostate cancer in each of the last five years.
	The latest available figures for newly diagnosed cases (incidence) of malignant neoplasm of prostate are for the year 2005. Figures for 2001 to 2005 for males in England are in the following table.
	
		
			  Registrations of newly diagnosed cases of prostate cancer( 1) , males, England, 2001 to 2005 
			   Number of cases 
			 2001 27,380 
			 2002 27,672 
			 2003 27,777 
			 2004 29,406 
			 2005 28,886 
			 (1 )Prostate cancer is coded to C61 in the International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (ICD-10)  Source:  Office for National Statistics

Unemployment

Chris Grayling: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 
	(1)  how many and what proportion of households included no one in full-time employment in the latest 12-month period for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many and what proportion of people lived in households where no one was in full-time employment in the latest 12-month period for which figures are available.

Edward Miliband: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated April 2008:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your two Parliamentary Questions. The first asks how many and what proportion of households included no-one in full-time employment in the latest 12 month period for which figures are available (198778). The second asks how many and what proportion of people lived in households where no-one was in full time employment in the latest 12 month period for which figures are available (198779).
	Estimates are provided from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). There is currently no annual household dataset, so the figures are given for the April-June quarter to be consistent with those published in the 'Work and worklessness among households' First Release (see web link)
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/work0807.pdf
	For the three month period ending in June 2007, 10.7 million (43 per cent) households include no-one in full-time employment; these households consist of 19.4 million (34 per cent) people.
	Published figures for workless households are based on working age households. A working-age household is a household that includes at least one person of working-age, that is a woman aged 16 to 59 or a man aged 16 to 64.
	For the three month period ending in June 2007, 4.7 million (25 per cent) working age households include no-one in full-time employment; these households consist of 10.9 million (22 per cent) people.
	In calculating the percentages, households with unknown economic status have been excluded.
	The LFS is a sample survey covering over 52,000 households in the United Kingdom in each three month period. As with any sample survey, estimates from the Labour Force Survey are subject to a margin of uncertainty.

Unemployment: Young People

James Clappison: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many  (a) UK and  (b) non-UK born 16 to 24 year olds were unemployed in each quarter since 1997; and what the employment rate in each category was in the same period.

Edward Miliband: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 24 April 2008:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many (a) UK and (b) UK born 16 to 24 year olds were unemployed in each quarter since 1997; and what was the employment rate in each category in the same period.
	The attached table gives estimates of the number of unemployed people and the employment rate for the categories requested for the three month periods ending June and December each year from 1997 to 2007, derived from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). Comparable estimates for 1998 and 2000 are not available.
	It should be noted that the estimate provided is weighted to population estimates consistent with those published in 2003. Reweighted analyses using the latest population estimates, published in summer 2007, will available from 14 May 2008.
	As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to a margin of uncertainty.
	
		
			  ILO unemployment( 1)  level and employment rate( 2)  of people aged 16 to 24. by country of birth, three months ending June and December, 1997 to 2007—United Kingdom, not seasonally adjusted 
			Total UK  UK born 
			Unemployment level  (thousand)  Employment rate (percentage)  Unemployment level (thousand) l  Employment rate (percentage) 
			 1997 Q2 631 61 594 62 
			  Q4 571 63 529 64 
			   
			 1998 Q2 (3)— (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			  Q4 (3)— (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			   
			 1999 Q2 548 61 517 62 
			  Q4 530 64 490 65 
			   
			 2000 Q2 (3)— (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			  Q4 (3)— (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			   
			 2001 Q2 478 62 445 63 
			  Q4 544 63 501 64 
			   
			 2002 Q2 498 61 461 62 
			  Q4 546 63 504 64 
			   
			 2003 Q2 520 60 474 61 
			  Q4 526 62 487 63 
			   
			 2004 Q2 517 60 476 61 
			  Q4 565 61 512 63 
			   
			 2005 Q2 550 59 499 60 
			  Q4 622 58 560 60 
			   
			 2006 Q2 630 57 568 58 
			  Q4 648 59 576 60 
			   
			 2007 Q2 648 56 574 57 
			  Q4 638 58 576 60 
			 (1) Number of unemployed people measured using the internationally agreed definition recommended by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). (2) Number of people aged 16 to 24 in employment as a percentage of all 16 to 24-year-old people. (3) Data unavailable.  Notes: 1. It should be noted that the estimates: exclude certain people who have been resident in the UK for less than six months. exclude students in halls of residence who do not have a UK resident parent. exclude people in most types of communal establishment (e.g. hotels, boarding houses, hostels, mobile home sites etc.). are grossed to population estimates that only include migrants staying 12 months or more. are grossed to population estimates consistent with those published in spring 2003 which are significantly lower than the latest population estimates as used in the Labour Market Statistics First Release. 2. Comparable data not available for 1998 and 2000.  Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS)

TRANSPORT

A14: Lorries

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 2 April 2008,  Official Report, column 1005W, on the A14: lorries, how many lorry movements there were on average per day on the A14 in 2006; and what percentage of overall vehicle movements along the road this figure represents.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The annual average daily flow for the A14 in 2006 was 8,273 for heavy goods vehicles and 46,051 for all motor vehicles. Heavy goods vehicles therefore accounted for 18 per cent. of total flow.
	This is a representative traffic flow for any randomly selected point on the A14.

Airports: Baggage

John Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what  (a) regulations and  (b) guidance govern the carrying of hand luggage on aeroplanes leaving (i) Heathrow and (ii) Gatwick; and who is responsible for determining the number of pieces of hand luggage allowed per passenger on commercial aircraft.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The previous restriction on the number of cabin bags permitted to be carried at both Heathrow and Gatwick has been lifted. It is for the airlines and airports to apply their own local policies on the number of bags which may be taken on to aircraft by passengers. The only restriction is on the size of cabin bag (remains at 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm) and there are no plans to change this. These dimensions are in line with The International Air Transport Association's recommended practice.

Bus Services

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the consultation on the bus services operation grant and fuel duty rebate is expected to end.

Rosie Winterton: Our consultation document 'Local Bus Service Support—Options for Reform' was published on 13 March. The closing date for responses is 5 June.

Departmental Information Officers

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2008,  Official Report, columns 1154-55W, on departmental information officers, if she will break down the figures provided by agency.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Further to my answer of 6 February 2008,  Official Report, columns 1154-55W, individual executive agency figures readily available for press officers and communication officers are as follows, together with corrected information. Some data are not available without disproportionate cost.
	 (a) Press officers
	The full time equivalent number of staff employed on press officer activities for 2002-03 to 2007-08 is as follows:
	
		
			  Staff FTE 
			   2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
			 DfT Central 12.7 13.8 13.8 13 14.6 13.8 
			 DSA 2 2 2 2 2 2 
			 DVLA 7 7 7.5 7 7 5 
			 GCDA n/a n/a n/a 0 0 0 
			 HA 6 6 6 6.8 11.1 12.2 
			 MCA 2 2 2 2 2 2 
			 VCA 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 VOSA 1 1 2 2 2 2 
			 DfT agencies 18 18 19.5 19.8 24.1 23.2 
			 DfT total 30.7 31.8 33.3 32.8 38.7 37.0 
			  Note: Figures for 2005-06 have been corrected from my answer of 6 February. 
		
	
	 (b) Communications Officers
	The Department does not have a "communication officer" grade. Figures shown are for communication specialists engaged in a range of communications activities, and excluding press officers. The full time equivalent (FTE) number employed as at:
	
		
			   October 2006  July 2007  February 2008 
			 DSA 9.0 n/a 12.8 
			 DVLA 43.0 n/a 29.3 
			 GCDA 1.0 n/a 1.0 
			 HA 8.0 n/a 10.8 
			 MCA 3.0 n/a 3.0 
			 VCA 2.5 n/a 2.5 
			 VOSA 7.0 n/a 7.0 
		
	
	Comparable data are not available prior to October 2006 without disproportionate cost.

Departmental Manpower

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many  (a) permanent civil service posts,  (b) permanent non-civil service posts and  (c) temporary or agency workers there were in her Department in each month since May 2005.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Office for National Statistics publishes Civil Service employment statistics every quarter in the Public Sector Employment First Release. The latest statistics published are for Q4 (December) 2007. Table 6 of the publication provides a breakdown of employment by Government Department. This has been available since Q1 2006 and from Q4 2006 included a breakdown of permanent and temporary/casual employees.
	The detailed information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Marketing

Greg Pope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much her Department spent on publicity and advertising in 2007-08.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The total figures for the Department's advertising and publicity spend for the 2007-08 fiscal year are set out as follows. Please note, the figures are provisional outturn and subject to audit.
	
		
			   2007-08 (expected outturn) (£) 
			 DFT (Central) 26,700,000 
			 DVLA 7,500,000 
			 DSA 169,000 
			 HA 4,718,000 
			 VOSA 659,000 
			 MCA 1,204,000 
			 VCA 66,000 
			 GCDA 30,000 
			 Total 41,046,000 
		
	
	The majority of advertising investment by the central Department is in support of the THINK! road safety, Act on CO2, aviation security and bus concessionary passes campaigns. Major advertising investment by Executive agencies has been by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, to explain changes to the car tax rules.

Departmental Pay

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the total cost was of  (a) salaries for permanent civil service posts,  (b) salaries for permanent non-civil service posts and  (c) payments to temporary or agency workers in her Department in each month since May 2005.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Public Relations

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 7 February 2008,  Official Report, columns 1414-16W, on departmental public relations, which  (a) lead public relations company and  (b) other public relations companies worked on each campaign by her Department and its agencies in each of the last five years; and what the cost of each campaign was.

Jim Fitzpatrick: External public relations companies who have worked to support the Department and executive agencies' communications activities since the 2002-03 fiscal year are:
	
		
			  Major communication activity  Agency 
			  DfT Central  
			 THINK! road safety campaign Fishburn Hedges, QBO and Red (current agency) 
			 Act on CO2 campaign Forster 
			 Concessionary bus fares campaign Munro & Forster 
			 European Whole Vehicle Type Approval campaign Geronimo 
			   
			  Executive agencies  
			 DVLA communications (including the promotion of registered number plate suppliers, electronic vehicle licensing, and local office networks) MGB Communications 
			 DVLA continuous registration (vehicle taxation) campaign Red and Geronimo 
			 DVLA accuracy of records activity Geronimo 
			 DVLA Northern Ireland Red 
			 DVLA number plate theft campaign Red 
			 DVLA driver re-engineering project Geronimo 
			 VOSA communications Couravel 
			 MCA's Seasmart campaign Munro & Forster and Kinross & Render 
		
	
	Total costs incurred since 2002-03 on external public relations agencies and promotions are approximately £3,158,000. Breaking down these costs by each individual campaign over the past five years could be done only at disproportionate cost.
	With apologies to the hon. Member, I would like to provide additional figures to my answer of 7 February 2008,  Official Report, columns 1414-16W. Figures provided then did not include expenditure on PR support that DVLA commissioned through the Central Office of Information. Total expenditure for DVLA in each fiscal year since 2003-04 is as follows:
	
		
			   £ 
			 2002-03 (1)84,000 
			 2003-04 257,244 
			 2004-05 346,941 
			 2005-06 871,654 
			 2006-07 371,327 
			 2007-08 479,982 
			 (1) Spend through COI not available. (2) Estimated outturn.

Disabled

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what targets her Department has set in relation to its employment of people with disabilities over the next five years.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Department for Transport is currently reviewing employment targets generally and this includes targets in relation to the employment of people with disabilities. We expect the review to be complete by the summer of 2008 and targets will be published then.

Galileo

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she has had about the potential uses of the Galileo European satellite navigation system for all Government Departments.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 21 April 2008
	I and my transport ministerial colleagues have regular discussions with departmental officials and with Ministers from other Departments about transport issues across the range of our responsibilities.
	The Government recognise that Galileo should be a useful tool for delivering a variety of policy aims and improved services in transport and other sectors. That is why officials continue to work closely with all interested Government Departments to identify potential public sector uses for Galileo and to promote this as part of their engagement with the Location and Timing Knowledge Transfer Network (drawn from UK industry, academia, end users and Government).

Lorries: Safety Belts

Alan Milburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  how many heavy goods vehicles not fitted with seat belts were registered in each of the last 10 years;
	(2)  what assessment she has made of the costs and benefits of fitting seat belts to heavy goods vehicles;
	(3)  what her estimate is of the number of heavy goods vehicles that are not fitted with seat belts.

Jim Fitzpatrick: All vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross weight first used on or after 1 October 2001 have been required by law to be fitted with seat belts. The following table shows by year the number of goods vehicles in-use that were registered before that date.
	
		
			   Thousand 
			 1997 442 
			 1998 441 
			 1999 459 
			 2000 471 
			 2001 466 
		
	
	Prior to 2001 some manufacturers were providing seat belts in their vehicles on a voluntary basis however we do not have statistics to show the fitting rate.
	A cost and benefit study was conducted as part of the review leading to the mandatory requirement for seat belt installation. This concluded that, assuming 100 per cent. seat belt fitment, three lives and 35 serious injuries could be saved per year. At today's values this represents a benefit of £9.9 million.
	We estimate that in 2006, 266,000 vehicles first registered before October 2001, were still in use. However, a review of the age of the fleet by year shows that, on average, the number of vehicles registered before that date is reducing by approximately 40,000 per year.

Lorries: Safety Belts

Alan Milburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many  (a) fatalities and  (b) injuries there were involving drivers of heavy goods vehicles which were not fitted with seat belts in each of the last 10 years.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The information requested is not collected.

Motor Vehicles: Petrol Alternatives

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps the Government are taking to promote alternatives to petrol powered vehicles.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Government encourage the use of alternative fuels through reduced rates of vehicle excise duty for cars run on certain alternative fuels and registered after 1 March 2001, and through differentials in fuel duty between petrol and diesel and other fuels. Vehicles powered wholly by electric power are exempt from VED.
	The Government fund the running of an Infrastructure grant programme. The grants assist the building of refuelling stations for alternative fuels (natural gas/biogas, hydrogen and bio-ethanol). It is also funding research and development into battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles through a low carbon vehicles innovation platform, which brings together funding from the Department for Transport, Technology Strategy Board and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
	The Government have also introduced the renewable transport fuel obligation (RTFO). The RTFO, which came into effect from 15 April 2008 aims to ensure that sustainable biofuels make up an increasing percentage of total UK road transport fuels, and means that biofuels are starting to become available in low blends at the majority of forecourts in the UK.

Personal Location Beacons: Licensing

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration her Department has given to the merits of a licensing regime for personal location beacons for land-based use.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The UK Search and Rescue (UKSAR) Inland Consultative Committee is currently looking at the use of personal location beacons on land and is in the process of gathering views from interested parties which will be discussed at their next meeting on 11 June with a view to ultimately making recommendations to the UKSAR Strategic Committee—an inter-agency national forum, chaired by DfT, with responsibility for advising on the structure, scope and framework of the organisation of UKSAR.

Press

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what the cost of the press offices of  (a) her Department,  (b) its agencies and  (c) its non-departmental public bodies each year was in 1996-97; what the cost was in each quarter since 1 April 2007; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  how many press office staff were employed by  (a) her Department,  (b) its agencies and  (c) its non-departmental public bodies (i) in each year since 1996-97 and (ii) at the latest date for which information is available.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Department for Transport was created in May 2002. Records of costs from 1996-97 until 2001-02 are not readily available owing to departmental and agency re-organisations and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Figures for NDPBs and quarter year figures could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	(1) The cost of DFT Central's press office (including pay and non-pay costs) for the years 2002-03 to 2006-07 and forecast for 2007-08 is as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
			   DFT(C) pay  DFT(C) non-pay 
			 2002-03 0.85 0.81 
			 2003-04 0.70 0.80 
			 2004-05 0.70 0.83 
			 2005-06 0.77 0.76 
			 2006-07 0.88 0.67 
			 2007-08 0.84 0.67 
		
	
	The non-pay costs include media monitoring, use of Central Office of Information's Government News Network and all other direct external costs attributed to press office operations.
	Press office activities in most agencies are not carried out by staff or units solely dedicated to this purpose. Full records of costs are therefore not readily available for press office functions alone. However, agency press office function pay costs have been estimated for the years 2002-03 to 2006-07 and forecast for 2007-08 as follows:
	
		
			  Staff £ million 
			   2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
			 DSA 0.04 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 
			 DVLA 0.14 0.15 0.18 0.19 0.19 0.14 
			 GCDA 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 HA 0.21 0.22 0.23 0.27 0.30 0.36 
			 MCA 0.08 0.09 0.11 0.15 0.15 0.15 
			 VCA 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 VOSA 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 
		
	
	(2) The full-time equivalent number of staff employed on press officer activities from 2002-03 to 2007-08 is as follows:
	
		
			  Staff FTE 
			   2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
			 DFT Central 12.7 13.8 13.8 13 14.6 13.8 
			 DSA 2 2 2 2 2 2 
			 DVLA 7 7 7.5 7 7 5 
			 GCDA n/a n/a n/a 0 0 0 
			 HA 6 6 6 6.8 11.1 12.2 
			 MCA 2 2 2 2 2 2 
			 VCA 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 VOSA 1 1 2 2 2 2 
			 DFT agencies 18 18 19.5 19.8 24.1 23.2 
			 DFT total 30.7 31.8 33.3 32.8 38.7 37.0 
		
	
	The Highways Agency recruited regional press officers in 2006 and 2007 to support its new role as a network operator and in particular the introduction of the traffic officer service which took over many police functions in managing motorway incidents.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Africa: AIDS

Richard Caborn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent progress has been made on the educational programme in Africa to combat the spread of AIDS; and if he will make a statement.

Gillian Merron: The most significant progress that has been made on education programmes in addressing the threat posed by HIV and AIDS has been through strengthening the content of education sector plans by more explicit reference to HIV prevention through curriculum reform, teacher training, peer education, etc.
	A recent survey of 34 countries in Africa showed that all of these countries have a National HIV and AIDS policy and three quarters of them have an education sector specific HIV and AIDS strategy and plan. 30 countries are training teachers to protect themselves, and all countries participating in the survey are providing some HIV prevention education at primary and/or secondary levels.
	More progress is needed in the establishment of effective monitoring and evaluation procedures. The Department for International Development routinely works with partner country governments to strengthen their monitoring and evaluation systems.

Corruption: Overseas Aid

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much UK aid was spent on tackling corruption in  (a) India,  (b) Tanzania,  (c) Sudan,  (d) Bangladesh,  (e) Pakistan,  (f) Afghanistan,  (g) Ethiopia,  (h) Nigeria,  (i) Uganda,  (j) Democratic Republic of Congo,  (k) Ghana,  (l) Kenya,  (m) Malawi,  (n) Zambia,  (o) Indonesia,  (p) Mozambique,  (q) Vietnam,  (r) Iraq,  (s) Nepal and  (t) China in 2006-07.

Gareth Thomas: The Department for International Development has programmes to combat corruption that both directly target corruption as well those that have a broader focus on prevention and on strengthening governance. Such programmes include for example: support to strengthen the capacity, accountability and responsiveness of the state; initiatives to strengthen parliamentary oversight; programmes with civil society; and targeted support for the investigation and prosecution of corrupt activities.
	Departmental bilateral expenditure on governance related programmes in 2006-07 totalled £323 million. We are unable to break this down further and provide specific statistical information on anti-corruption expenditure by country. The following table provides details of the levels of governance expenditure for the countries highlighted in the question.
	
		
			  DFID bilateral governance expenditure, 2006-07 
			£ million 
			  (a) India 31.9 
			  (b) Tanzania 19.7 
			  (c) Sudan 7.5 
			  (d) Bangladesh 10.8 
			  (e) Pakistan 14.6 
			  (f) Afghanistan 10.7 
			  (g) Ethiopia 13.2 
			  (h) Nigeria 24.7 
			  (i) Uganda 13.6 
			  (j) Democratic Republic of Congo 7.8 
			  (k) Ghana 7.1 
			  (l) Kenya 3.0 
			  (m) Malawi 6.4 
			  (n) Zambia 4.1 
			  (o) Indonesia 7.3 
			  (p) Mozambique 13.7 
			  (q) Vietnam 5.8 
			  (r) Iraq 25.2 
			  (s) Nepal 1.9 
			  (t) China 1.1

Departmental Research

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 
	(1)  what progress has been made on his Department's new research strategy; and whether it will commence in April 2008;
	(2)  whether he plans to publish the findings of the in-country consultations his Department held in Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda on its new research strategy;
	(3)  what progress has been made towards widening the scope of his Department's education research to look at  (a) post-primary education and  (b) the links between education and the world of work;
	(4)  what progress has been made towards the development of non-medical research initiatives on  (a) children's education,  (b) HIV and AIDS,  (c) the relationship between women's income and the survival rate of their children and  (d) safer childbirth.

Gareth Thomas: The new Department for International Development research strategy 2008-13 was launched on 22 April and it, together with 10 working papers, can be found on the DFID website http://www. dfid.gov.uk/research/newresearch.asp.
	The working papers provide background and detail about the research to be funded within the strategy period.
	The education and health working papers contain more detail about how DFID will develop its education and non-medical health research. Future open competitions for research will call for research proposals to cover these areas.
	Findings from the in-country consultations have been published and can be accessed at the following link on DFID's Research Portal:
	http://www.research4development.info/features.asp?FeaturelD=58

Developing Countries: Diseases

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what responses his Department received from private companies on development of new treatments, vaccines and technologies for  (a) malaria,  (b) tuberculosis,  (c) HIV and AIDS and  (d) other diseases during the consultation on the Department's new research strategy.

Gareth Thomas: Over 600 responses were received during the web-based consultation on the new research strategy, of which 21 identified themselves as business/industry, but no further detail is available.
	The development of new treatments, vaccines and technologies for  (a) malaria,  (b) tuberculosis,  (c) HIV and AIDS and  (d) other diseases were raised by many respondents. Responses to the consultation were analysed anonymously and comments cannot be attributed to individuals or organisations.

Developing Countries: Terrorism

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps the Government have taken to provide assistance to developing countries following terrorist attacks in the last 12 months.

Gareth Thomas: The Department for International Development (DFID) has not provided emergency support to developing countries affected by terrorist attacks during the last year. Though available in theory, the scale of terrorist attacks to date has not warranted large international humanitarian responses.
	More generally DFID can help to mitigate the economic and social impact of a serious attack, both on people's livelihoods and government finances, for example support for the efforts of multilateral organisations such the World Bank and United National Development Programme following the 2002 Bali bombing.
	DFID can also help to reduce the threat of violence through:
	Mainstream development programming, which can help developing countries to address the grievances which ultimately drive conflict and cause terrorism.
	Support for conflict prevention and mediation measures, where appropriate.

Developing Countries: Transport

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions he has had with the World Bank on research into low-cost transport options for poorer communities.

Gareth Thomas: Officials from the Department for International Development (DFID) discussed research relevant to low-cost transport options with the World Bank in the first quarter of this year. This topic has been incorporated into wide-ranging provision for collaborative work which falls with the following areas:
	 (a) DFID's South East Asia Community Access Programme (SEACAP) designed to enhance the pro-poor content of World Bank's programmes in the Mekong area.
	 (b) The World Bank's Sub-Saharan Africa Transport Policy programme (SSATP), which will co-ordinate the Steering Group for DFID's African Community Access programme (AFCAP)
	 (c) A joint programme of transport research support to be based in the Transport Unit within the World Bank's sustainable development network in Washington; and
	 (d) Co-operation with the World Bank in the work of the DFID-funded global transport knowledge partnership.

Ipsos MORI

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 26 March 2008,  Official Report, column 149W, on Ipsos MORI, what the estimated value of the contract is through the Central Office of Information to research issues into public attitudes.

Douglas Alexander: The total value of the contract with Ipsos MORI to research issues into public attitudes, contracted through COI, was £126,778 plus VAT.

Overseas Aid

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate he has made of the level of fiduciary risk for UK bilateral aid to  (a) India,  (b) Tanzania,  (c) Sudan,  (d) Bangladesh,  (e) Pakistan,  (f) Afghanistan,  (g) Ethiopia,  (h) Nigeria,  (i) Uganda,  (j) the Democratic Republic of Congo,  (k) Ghana,  (l) Kenya,  (m) Malawi,  (n) Zambia,  (o) Indonesia,  (p) Mozambique,  (q) Vietnam,  (r) Iraq,  (s) Nepal and  (t) China.

Gareth Thomas: Since 2004, the Department for International Development (DFID) has conducted detailed fiduciary risk assessments in all countries where we provide poverty reduction budget support (PRBS). This is aid given to support poverty reduction programmes through partner governments' own budgets, and using partners' own financial management, procurement and accountability systems. The following table shows the most recent fiduciary risk rating in each country listed above that has received PRBS.
	
		
			  Country  DFID fiduciary risk rating 
			 Tanzania medium 
			 Bangladesh high 
			 Pakistan medium 
			 Ethiopia moderate 
			 Uganda medium 
			 Ghana substantial 
			 Malawi high 
			 Zambia high 
			 Mozambique substantial 
			 Vietnam medium 
			 Nepal high 
		
	
	DFID has not provided any PRBS to the Federal Government of India, but we do provide sector budget support in some of our focus states where the risk rating is judged as medium. No PRBS has been provided to the Sudan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Indonesia, Iraq or China.
	From 2008, DFID will as part of its country planning process conduct fiduciary risk assessments for all countries where we provide financial aid.

Overseas Aid: Expenditure

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much the Government have spent on foreign aid since 1997.

Shahid Malik: Details of total UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) since 1997 are in the following table.
	
		
			  UK Official Development Assistance, 1997 to 2007 
			   £ million 
			 1997 2,096 
			 1998 2,332 
			 1999 2,118 
			 2000 2,974 
			 2001 3,170 
			 2002 3,285 
			 2003 3,834 
			 2004 4,313 
			 2005 5,925 
			 2006 6,770 
			 2007 (provisional) 4,957 
			 Total 1997-2007 41,774 
		
	
	The primary reason for the decline in UK ODA in 2007 is the result of lower levels of debt relief. In 2006 the UK gave more than £1.9 billion in debt relief, primarily to Nigeria; this fell to £35 million in 2007.
	Despite the decline in 2007, the UK remains on target to provide 0.7 per cent. of gross national income (GNI) as ODA by 2013, two years ahead of the EU target.

CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES

Adoption

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  how many children were  (a) adopted and  (b) taken into care in each year from 1978 to 2008; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many children were taken into care in each local authority area in the latest year for which figures are available; what the rate was per 10,000 children in each such area; and if he will make a statement.

Kevin Brennan: The information requested is as follows.
	 PQ 200993
	Data on the number of children looked after by English local authorities who have been  (a) adopted from care in each of the years ending 31 March 1995 to 2007, and  (b) taken into care in each of the years ending 31 March 1996 to 2007 are shown in the following tables 1 and 2.
	
		
			  Table 1: Children looked after adopted during the years ending 31 March 1995 to 2007( 1,2,3) , England 
			   Number 
			 1995 2,000 
			 1996 1,900 
			 1997 1,900 
			 1998 2,200 
			 1999 2,100 
			 2000 2,700 
			 2001 3,100 
			 2002 3,400 
			 2003 3,500 
			 2004 3,800 
			 2005 3,800 
			 2006 3,700 
			 2007 3,300 
			 (1) Historical data may differ from older publications. This is mainly due to the implementation of amendments and corrections sent by some local authorities after the publication data of previous materials. (2 )Between 1998 and 2000, the number of children adopted could only be estimated on the basis of a one-third sample as a proportion of the total number of children looked after. Since 2001 additional information has been collected on a 100 per cent. basis for looked after children who were adopted. Consequently, for 2001 to 2003, the exact number of adopted children is known and has been used to estimate the number of children in the age groups shown. These figures should therefore be treated with caution. (3 )To maintain the confidentiality of each child, numbers below 1,000 have been rounded to the nearest 10 and numbers above 1,000 have been rounded to the nearest 100. As a consequence, figures may not sum to the total.  Source: SSDA903 return on children looked after. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table  2:  Children looked after who were taken into care during the years ending 31 March 1996 to 2007( 1,2,,3,4) , England 
			   Number 
			 1996(5) 5,800 
			 1997(5) 6,100 
			 1998(6) 7,100 
			 1999(6) 7,100 
			 2000(6) 7,700 
			 2001(6) 7,000 
			 2002(6) 7,400 
			 2003(6) 8,100 
			 2004(6) 7,500 
			 2005(6) 7,700 
			 2006(6) 7,700 
			 2007(6) 7,600 
			 (1) Only the first occasion on which a child started to be looked after in the year has been collected. (2) Figures exclude children looked after under an agreed series of short-term placements. (3) Children who are deemed to be "taken" into care are those who started to be looked after as the result of a care order (full or interim), police protection, emergency protection order or child assessment order. (4) To ensure that no individual can be identified from statistical tables, we use conventions for the rounding and suppression of very small amounts. All numbers which appear in national tables have been rounded to the nearest 100 if they exceed 1,000 and to the nearest 10 otherwise. (5) Figures are taken from the SSDA903 return which in 1996 and 1997 as well as since 2003-04 has covered all children looked after. (6 )Figures are derived from the SSDA903 one-third sample survey.  Source: SSDA903 return on children looked after. 
		
	
	 PQ 201459
	The information requested has been placed in the House of Commons Library.

Child Poverty Unit

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families if he will publish the minutes of each meeting of the Child Poverty Unit since its establishment; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: In October 2007 the Government established the DWP/DCSF Joint Child Poverty Unit to ensure that there is a clear cross Government approach to tackling child poverty.
	The unit brings together the expertise of officials from DWP and DCSF and works closely with HMT and our key stakeholders to drive forward the child poverty agenda.
	Since its formation, members of the unit have undertaken a large number of meetings with prominent members of the child poverty lobby, key think tanks and other stakeholders, as well as attending ministerial meetings.
	Meetings are held routinely and on an ad hoc basis, as the unit seeks to reinvigorate the Government's child poverty strategy, to ensure we eradicate child poverty by 2020.
	Flexibility is the key to the unit's success. Officials are co-located and work together on a daily basis. As a consequence is it not possible formally to minute each and every meeting that members of the unit undertake. To do so would place an additional burden on the unit's time and resources.

Children: Abuse

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what statutory requirements there are on  (a) independent and  (b) maintained schools to report allegations of child abuse to a local authority designated officer; and if he will make a statement.

Kevin Brennan: Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 imposes a statutory duty on both local authorities and the governing bodies of maintained schools to make arrangements to ensure that their functions are carried out with a view to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and to have regard to guidance issued by the Secretary of State in considering such arrangements.
	Section 157 of the Education Act 2002 and the Education (Independent Schools Standards) (England) Regulations 2003 impose a duty on independent schools to draw up and implement a policy to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school.
	These statutory duties are supported by guidance contained within Working Together to Safeguard Children, which was issued in April 2006, and Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education, which was issued in November 2006 and came into force in January 2007. Both documents set out the process for dealing with allegations that might indicate that someone is unsuitable to continue to work with children, because it is alleged that they have behaved, in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child; possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child; or behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates s/he is unsuitable to work with children. The guidance is clear that any allegations that fell within this definition must be taken seriously and should be examined objectively by someone independent of the school concerned: in the first instance this is typically the local authority designated officer who leads on dealing with allegations in that area. The guidance explains that the police must be consulted about any case in which a criminal offence may have been committed, and that a strategy discussion (which will involve children's social care) should take place when there is cause to suspect a child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm. Sometimes allegations will be so serious as to require immediate intervention by children's social care or the police, prior to notifying the local authority designated officer.

Children: Asylum

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what his most recent estimate is of the number of children in each local authority area who are the children of parents seeking asylum; and if he will make a statement.

Kevin Brennan: In order to respond to this question, the Department will need to gather information from other Government Departments. When the information is available I shall write to the hon. Member and place a copy of that letter in the House Library.

Children: Poverty

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what contribution his Department is making to meeting the Government's 2010 child poverty target; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: Tackling child poverty is in everybody's interest and it needs to be everybody's business. On Budget Day we published "Ending child poverty: everybody's business" with the Government's strategy for halving child poverty by 2010 and eradicating it by 2020. The measures announced in the Budget will invest an additional £950 million and lift up to a further 250,000 additional children out of poverty from 2010-11, up to 500,000 in all when combined with announcements in last year's Budget and pre Budget report
	The Joint Department for Children; Schools and Families and Department for Work and Pensions Child Poverty Unit we created last year is coordinating work across Government to support families to escape poverty by increasing employment and raising incomes for those who can work. And last year's Budget and the Children's Plan set out further policies and measures to improve children's life chances and invest in improving services for children to enable them to break the cycle of poverty from generation to generation.

Departmental Marketing

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what his Department's budget for publicity and advertising  (a) was in 2007-08 and  (b) is for 2008-09; and if he will make a statement.

Kevin Brennan: The budget for publicity and advertising for DCSF for  (a) 2007-08; and  (b) 2008-09 is as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
			 2007-08 13.1 
			 2008-09 9.3

Dyslexia

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what assessment he has made of the provision of specialist dyslexia teaching in the light of the report of the No to Failure project on screening for dyslexia and specific learning difficulties.

Kevin Brennan: All local authorities and schools must have regard to the special educational needs code of practice which provides advice on their statutory duties to identify, assess and make provision for pupils' special educational needs. Children with dyslexia should have their needs identified and support put in place in the same way as children with other special educational needs (SEN).
	To identify and promote best practice, we are working with the British Dyslexia Association, Dyslexia Action, Xtraordinary People and the Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties on the No to Failure project. This project is supporting trailblazer schools in three local authority areas, where children are screened and specialist teaching provided to those identified at risk of dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties. We are supporting this project with just over £1 million funding over three years.
	The recently published report from No to Failure says that a significant proportion of children in the trailblazers not achieving expected levels of attainment are at risk of dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties. However, the report does not indicate how many had already been identified with SEN, nor does it evaluate the impact of specialist teaching on children's progression. We are looking forward to seeing the final report later this year, which we understand will contain such an evaluation.
	Through No to Failure, we have commissioned Dr. Chris Singleton to summarise published research on the impact of specialist dyslexia teaching. We will consider whether and how we should promote specialist dyslexia teaching as best practice in the light of evidence of its impact.
	To help those working in schools with identifying and supporting children with dyslexia, last October we launched the inclusion development programme, which is offering professional development in key areas of SEN starting with training on communication difficulties, including dyslexia. The inclusion development programme materials were developed in close consultation with dyslexia organisations.
	We are also providing £150,000 over two years for the British Dyslexia Association to enhance their helpline's service to teachers, and 250,000 over three years for Dyslexia Action to run Partnership for Literacy pilots in a further 10 schools.

Free School Meals

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of providing school dinners free of charge to all pupils in  (a) primary schools and  (b) secondary schools;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of extending entitlement to free school meals to all pupils  (a) in primary schools,  (b) in secondary schools and  (c) aged four to 18 years.

Kevin Brennan: The Department estimates that the cost of providing school meals free of charge to all pupils in  (a) primary schools is approximately £1.2 billion, and  (b) secondary schools is approximately £1 billion. The primary figure includes pupils aged four. Therefore, for pupils in schools aged 4-18 in schools, we estimate the cost to be £2.2 billion.

Parents

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many times the Parents Panel has met since it was established; what conclusions it has reached; if he will publish the minutes of the panel's meetings; and what the cost of the panel has been.

Beverley Hughes: We are currently in the process of tendering for an organisation to run the Parents Panel and a survey to provide information on parents' confidence in their ability to help their children to thrive and in the support services available to them. Panel members will be recruited in a way that ensures the panel is as representative of parents as possible. We expect to hold the first meeting of the Parents Panel in autumn 2008.
	In the meantime, we are convening a group of 36 parents to discuss key issues arising from the children's plan. This parents group will meet on 15 May and 9 July and is made up from parents who attended the recent Time to Talk events on the children's plan.
	The cost of running the two parents group events is just over £75,000. This includes: recruiting parents; providing facilities for the meetings; organising and facilitating the events; developing stimulus materials; providing an on-line forum for parents' discussion before and between meetings; contributing to parents' out of pocket expenses.
	We will publish the findings of both the parents and the parents group.

Parents: Advisory Services

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many calls there have been to the Parent Know How helpline in each month since it was established; what the cost of the helpline has been; and if he will make a statement.

Kevin Brennan: The Parent Know How programme is funding seven third sector organisations to deliver helplines for parents. The funding for these helplines commenced on 1 April 2008. Management data, including the number of calls to the helplines, will be collected quarterly and the first report is due in July. The third sector organisations are funded by grants to deliver the helpline services. The total cost in 2008-09 is £3.4 million.

Pre-School Education

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what discussions he has had with representatives of the  (a) Steiner and  (b) Waldorf Foundation on the early years framework.

Beverley Hughes: Officials in the Department have met representatives of the Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship on a number of occasions following the development of the Early Years Foundation Stage, and the Department has had regular informal contact.
	As my hon. Friend knows, the Early Years Foundation Stage is designed as a flexible, play-based framework for early learning and care from birth to five. It contains developmental milestones which many, but not all, children can reach by the age of five, but the pace and approach through which practitioners support children towards those milestones is left to their professional judgment.
	I can reassure my hon. Friend that practitioners of Steiner Waldorf educational philosophy will be able to work within the Early Years Foundation Stage without compromising their educational principles, and that no school or setting would be penalised by Ofsted simply for following any particular philosophy.

Pupil Exclusions: Deviance and Behaviour Disorders

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  how many pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties were given a fixed period exclusion in each year for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many pupils entitled to free school meals were given a  (a) fixed period and  (b) permanent exclusion in each year for which figures are available.

Kevin Brennan: The requested information could be provided only at disproportionate costs.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  what research he has commissioned on the impact of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 on the number of under 16 year olds in employment; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the number of  (a) teachers and  (b) non-teachers who will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority when that agency comes into operation in October 2009;
	(3)  what the  (a) estimated costs and  (b) regulatory impact will be of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 on (i) businesses and (ii) work experience opportunities for teenagers.

Kevin Brennan: The impact on businesses was considered in the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 which was updated June 2006, It found that costs for employers, some of whom already vet staff caring for children, will be offset by savings—for example on repeat work, since the new Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) registration will be portable from job to job—as well as by reduced risk of unsuitable employees. This should encourage employers to continue part-time opportunities for under-16s, including work experience. In addition, most employees that young people come into contact with during their employment will not be required to register with the ISA. This is because looking after, training, supervising etc. the young person during the course of their employment is not a part of those employees' jobs.
	It is envisaged that some 11,3 million people will be required to register with the ISA, mostly due to work which under the Act will be "Regulated Activity" with children or vulnerable adults; 525.6 thousand of these are teachers including occasional and supply teachers in England and Wales (January 2007 statistics).
	Earlier this year the Department concluded a consultation on many aspects of the scheme including issues for business and work experience; We have received useful feedback from stakeholders including the British Retail Consortium and work experience providers on how far regulated activity should cover contact with under 16-year-olds in employment and on work experience. Risk can never be eliminated from our lives, but young people must be introduced to it in a measured way. We remain of the view that part-time work is potentially beneficial for under 16s. It introduces them to the world of work and can develop self-confidence, communication and organisational skills, familiarity with money and dealing with other people. We shall publish the outcome of the consultation in due course.
	It is not our intention to make any work a regulated activity unnecessarily and we will continue to work with the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and with stakeholders to help inform regulations and prepare for implementation of the Act.

Schools

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many notifications have been sent out by his Department to the Schools Inspectorate under automatic transfer arrangements in relation to  (a) independent and  (b) maintained schools since April 2005.

Kevin Brennan: The Department has referred 73 notifications to the Schools Inspectorate since April 2005 relating to individuals who resigned or were dismissed from independent schools because they were considered unsuitable to work with children. In the case of maintained schools, Ofsted can approach the local authority concerned in respect of notifications from its schools.
	Under the new vetting and barring scheme a supervisory authority such as Ofsted will be required to inform the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) if it has information that a person poses a risk of harm. In return, the ISA must inform them when it bars someone who is supervised or registered by them.

Schools: Sports

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what proportion of  (a) primary and  (b) secondary school children engaged in less than (i) two hours, (ii) three hours and (iii) four hours of physical education and sport each week (A) in each year since 1997 and (B) on the latest date for which figures are available.

Kevin Brennan: Data are not collected in the format requested. The annual PE and School Sport Survey was introduced In 2003/04 and collects data relating to participation in PE and School Sport.
	Over the last four years, the percentage of pupils who did not take part in at least two hours of high quality PE and school sport each week is as follows:
	
		
			  Percentage 
			   Primary  Secondary  Overall 
			 2003/04 48 27 38 
			 2004/05 36 25 31 
			 2005/06 18 22 20 
			 2006/07 8 20 14 
		
	
	Prior to 2003/04, no data were collected relating to the amount of time spent on PE and school sport.

Secondary Education: Absenteeism

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families which local authorities have more than five per cent. of secondary school pupils as persistent absentees; how many and what proportion of pupils are persistent absentees in each case; and if he will make a statement.

Kevin Brennan: Information on the number of persistent absentees and the percentage of enrolments who are persistent absentees for each local authority has been placed in the Library.

Teachers: Pay

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the average salary of  (a) new entrants,  (b) classroom teachers,  (c) deputy heads and  (d) heads in (i) the primary sector and (ii) the secondary sector was in each year since 1997.

Jim Knight: The following table provides the average salary of full-time regular new entrants, classroom teachers, deputy heads and heads in local authority maintained nursery/primary and secondary schools in England and Wales, in March each year, 1997 to 2006.
	
		
			  Average salary of full-time regular new entrants, classroom teachers, deputy heads and heads in local authority maintained primary and secondary schools in England and Wales, in each March 1997 to 2006 
			   Nursery/primary  Secondary 
			   New entrants( 1)  Classroom teachers( 2)  Deputy heads( 3)  Heads  New entrants( 1)  Classroom teachers( 2)  Deputy heads( 3)  Heads 
			 1997 14,480 20,420 26,500 30,060 14,620 22,650 33,220 41,550 
			 1998 14,950 20,940 27,400 31,130 15,100 23,270 34,410 42,990 
			 1999 15,540 21,740 28,570 32,510 15,710 24,160 35,870 44,780 
			 2000 16,100 22,480 29,700 35,130 16,260 25,010 37,270 48,210 
			 2001 16,640 24,020 32,320 37,270 16,810 26,650 38,960 50,640 
			 2002 17,780 25,240 34,150 39,430 18,030 28,030 41,040 54,060 
			 2003 18,450 26,780 36,230 41.810 18,890 29,700 43,430 57,600 
			 2004 19,010 27,830 37,970 43,950 19,390 30,770 45,380 60,490 
			 2005(4) 19,510 28,790 39,450 45,980 19,850 31,830 47,020 63,610 
			 2006(4) 20,190 29,640 41,060 48,220 20,460 32,610 48,760 67,480 
			 (1) New entrants includes teachers who gained qualified teacher status in the previous calendar year through college based routes, (excluding those qualified through employment based routes). (2) Includes teachers on the classroom, upper and advanced skills pay scales. (3) Includes assistant heads from 2001. (4) Provisional.  Source: Database of Teacher Records

Youth Services: Finance

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much funding has been allocated by his Department to improve youth facilities in each year from 2008-09 to 2011-12; what projects will be funded; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: The Department has committed new investment of £190 million over the next three years to deliver world class facilities through the "myplace programme" delivered by the Big Lottery Fund. The allocation in each of these years is: £45.4 million in 2008-09; £114.6 million in 2009-10; and £30 million in 2010-11.
	DCSF is also continuing baseline funding of £26.5 million per annum over the next three years via local authorities for the Youth Capital Fund (YCF). We set out in the Youth Task Force Action Plan a further £22.6 million in 2008-09 to enhance this fund to benefit young people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and estates.
	Our vision is that DGSF capital investment drives a system wide transformation in the way places for young people to go are planned and delivered; particularly in the role and influence of young people and the level of genuine cross sector partnership working.

JUSTICE

Approved Premises

Nick Herbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will list the approved premises for persons on bail in England and Wales; and how many suspects are held in each premises.

Jack Straw: All approved premises can take residents on bail. The following list details the number of residents who were on bail at approved premises in England and Wales on 29 February 2008.
	
		
			  Approved premises  Number of residents on bail on 29 February 2008 
			 Bedford 1 
			 Napier Road 1 
			 Peterborough 0 
			 Basildon 0 
			 John Boag House 1 
			 Lightfoot House 1 
			 The Cottage 0 
			 Burdett Lodge 0 
			 Howard House 0 
			 Kirk Lodge 1 
			 Wordsworth House 2 
			 Bridgewood 0 
			 Astral Grove 0 
			 Southwell House 0 
			 Trent House 0 
			 Hestia Battersea 9 
			 Hestia Streatham 0 
			 Katherine Price Hughes House 0 
			 Kelley House 4 
			 Beckenham Road 1 
			 Camden House 0 
			 Canadian Avenue 0 
			 Ealing 0 
			 Ellison House 3 
			 Kew 0 
			 Seafield Lodge 1 
			 Tulse Hill 1 
			 Westbourne House 2 
			 Ozanam House 0 
			 St Christophers 0 
			 Cuthbert House 0 
			 Pennywell 0 
			 Nelson House 2 
			 The Crescent 2 
			 Bunbury House 3 
			 Linden Bank 0 
			 Bowling Green 6 
			 Ascot House 0 
			 Bradshaw House 0 
			 Chorlton 0 
			 Hopwood House 1 
			 St Josephs 1 
			 Wilton Place 0 
			 Withington Road 2 
			 Haworth House 0 
			 Highfield House 2 
			 Adelaide House 6 
			 Canning House 2 
			 Merseybank 0 
			 Southwood 4 
			 Dickson House 16 
			 Southampton 1 
			 The Grange 0 
			 Fleming House 0 
			 St Catherines 1 
			 Brighton 4 
			 Elizabeth Fry 6 
			 Abingdon Road 0 
			 Clarks House 3 
			 Manor Lodge 1 
			 Milton Keynes 1 
			 St Leonards 2 
			 Ashley House 0 
			 Bridge House 0 
			 Brigstocke Road 0 
			 Glogan House 13 
			 Lawson House 0 
			 Meneghy House 1 
			 The Pines 0 
			 Weston 0 
			 Ryecroft 0 
			 Plas-Y-Wern 1 
			 Ty Newydd 0 
			 Quay House 1 
			 Mandeville House 2 
			 Staitheford House 0 
			 Wenger House 2 
			 Wharflane House 3 
			 Mclntyre House 6 
			 Kenilworth Road 1 
			 Braley House 0 
			 Bilston 3 
			 Carpenter House 3 
			 Crowley House 5 
			 Elliot House 1 
			 Stonnall Road 1 
			 Sycamore Lodge 4 
			 Welford House 4 
			 Queens Road 1 
			 Scunthorpe 0 
			 South View 0 
			 Norfolk Park 2 
			 Rookwood 0 
			 Town Moor 2 
			 Cardigan House 0 
			 Ripon House 6 
			 St Johns 3 
			 Albion Street 0 
			 Elm Bank 1 
			 Holbeck 0 
			 Westgate 0 
			 Total 160

Courts: Cells

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many times court cells have been used to house prisoners overnight in 2008 to date, broken down by court; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: Court cells were used on 21 nights between the nights of 5-6 and 28-29 February. The following table shows the number of places used in each of five courts over this period.
	
		
			  Date  Bristol MC  Highbury MC  Mansfield MC  Tameside MC  W London MC  Total 
			 5 February 2008 — 26 15 — 25 66 
			 6 February 2008 — 30 15 — 26 71 
			 7 February 2008 — 30 — — 26 56 
			 8 February 2008 — — — — — 0 
			 9 February 2008 — 19 — — 13 32 
			 10 February 2008 — 19 — — 13 32 
			 11 February 2008 15 25 17 16 26 99 
			 12 February 2008 13 20 13 15 26 87 
			 13 February 2008 15 24 13 — 19 71 
			 14 February 2008 20 17 17 15 26 95 
			 15 February 2008 — — — — — 0 
			 16 February 2008 — 26 — — — 26 
			 17 February 2008 — 26 — — — 26 
			 18 February 2008 12 — 15 10 26 63 
			 19 February 2008 — — 9 — — 9 
			 20 February 2008 18 — — — 26 44 
			 21 February 2008 20 27 — — 22 69 
			 22 February 2008 — — — — — 0 
			 23 February 2008 19 20 — — — 39 
			 24 February 2008 19 20 — — — 39 
			 25 February 2008 17 26 — — 18 61 
			 26 February 2008 12 28 — — — 40 
			 27 February 2008 — 26 11 — 26 63 
			 28 February 2008 — 27 — — — 27 
			 Total 180 436 125 56 318 1,115

Courts: Limavady

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what plans he has for the future of Limavady Courthouse; and what complaints have been received from users of the courthouse in the last 12 months.

Bridget Prentice: There have been no complaints regarding the service provided at Limavady Courthouse over the last 12 months.
	The Northern Ireland Court Service is developing proposals to establish 'hearing centres' at a number of court venues including Limavady Courthouse. Hearing centres would open on court sitting days and court office services would be available only on those days.
	During 2007 Limavady Courthouse had on average one court sitting each week and a recent survey indicated that on average two people per day visited the court office.
	The proposals to introduce hearing centres are intended to make more efficient use of court resources. These proposals will be subject to full public consultation before any final decisions are made.

Crime

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the 10 most common  (a) offences and  (b) motoring offences were for which (i) men and (ii) women of each age group were (A) prosecuted, (B) convicted, (C) fined and (D) sent to prison in (1) Essex and (2) England and Wales in the last year for which figures are available.

Maria Eagle: Data showing the number of defendants proceeded against for the 10 most common offences in England and Wales and Essex, broken down by result, sex and age group are shown in the tables A1 and A2 as follows.
	Available information on motoring offences for 2005 (latest available) is provided in the following tables B1 and B2. The data are based on the 10 most common offences proceeded against. Some of these cover more than one offence where the data reported centrally do not identify them separately. Data for 2006 will be available later this year.
	
		
			  Table A1: 10 most common offences proceeded against at the magistrates courts by result at all courts, sex and age-group for Essex police force area, 2006( 1, 2) 
			  Number of offences 
			  Male 
			 All persons  Aged 10-17  Aged 18 and over 
			   No.  Offence description  Total proceedings  Total proceedings  Total findings of guilt  Fined  Immediate custody  Total proceedings  Total findings of guilt  Fined  Immediate custody 
			 17000 1 Motor vehicle licences; failure to pay appropriate duty. 4,521 1 — — — 3,604 3,151 3,119 — 
			 19101 2 Television licence evasion. 3,112 1 1 1 — 1,126 951 949 — 
			 16901 3 Offences in relation to railways 2,700 39 22 14 — 2,206 1,822 1,796 6 
			 10501 4 Common assault & battery. 2,322 361 289 2 15 1,583 1,053 87 238 
			 4600 5 Stealing from shops & stalls. 1,871 219 206 16 8 1,131 1,044 258 320 
			 8301 6 Failing to surrender to bail 1,263 88 41 4 — 980 405 206 72 
			 14900 7 Criminal damage, value £5,000 or less. 1,091 338 275 5 1 662 527 147 42 
			 12512 8 Harassment, alarm & distress. 632 110 80 21 — 416 347 256 — 
			 11606 9 Contravening the law relating to the regulation and control of fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish and eels etc. 533 — — — — 531 507 496 — 
			 17200 10 Other offences against revenue law (excluding failure to pay appropriate duty on motor vehicle licences). 515 — — — — 355 264 264 — 
			   Total 18,560 1,157 914 63 24 12,594 10,071 7,578 678 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of offences 
			 Female 
			 Aged 10-17  Aged 18 and over 
			   No.  Offence description  Total proceedings  Total findings of guilt  Fined  Immediate custody  Total proceedings  Total findings of guilt  Fined  Immediate custody 
			 17000 1 Motor vehicle licences; failure to pay appropriate duty. — — — — 916 790 779 — 
			 19101 2 Television licence evasion. 1 1 1 — 1,984 1,749 1,747 — 
			 16901 3 Offences in relation to railways 11 10 8 — 444 359 357 — 
			 10501 4 Common assault & battery. 127 104 — 1 251 168 6 17 
			 4600 5 Stealing from shops & stalls. 96 88 2 1 425 377 64 90 
			 8301 6 Failing to surrender to bail 13 6 1 — 182 74 41 9 
			 14900 7 Criminal damage, value £5,000 or less. 37 33 — — 54 38 7 1 
			 12512 8 Harassment, alarm & distress. 35 28 5 — 71 59 37 — 
			 11606 9 Contravening the law relating to the regulation and control of fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish and eels etc. — — — — 2 2 2 — 
			 17200 10 Other offences against revenue law (excluding failure to pay appropriate duty on motor vehicle licences). — — — — 160 112 112 — 
			   Total 320 270 17 2 4,489 3,728 3,152 117 
			 (1) The statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences the principal offence is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table A2: 10 most common offences proceeded against at the magistrates courts, by result at all courts, sex and age-group for England and Wales, 2006( 1, 2, 3) 
			  Number of offences 
			 Male 
			All persons  Aged 10-17  Aged 18 and over 
			  No.  Offence description  Total proceedings  Total proceedings  Total findings of guilt  Fined  Immediate custody  Total proceedings  Total findings of guilt  Fined  Immediate custody 
			 1 Television licence evasion. 128,733 23 11 5 — 46,102 39,229 38,705 2 
			 2 Motor vehicle licences; failure to pay appropriate duty. 114,039 76 37 26 — 93,048 82,393 81,577 — 
			 3 Common assault & battery. 74,915 9,561 7,260 99 275 54,787 34,431 4,081 4,853 
			 4 Stealing from shops & stalls. 64,401 5,950 5,324 352 146 42,615 39,050 7,447 9,071 
			 5 Failing to surrender to bail. 47,780 3,213 1,451 352 29 37,621 22,438 10,941 2,664 
			 6 Offences in relation to railways. 41,600 314 190 132 — 33,289 27,895 27,518 11 
			 7 Criminal damage, value £5,000 or less. 38,632 9,705 7,558 278 30 25,163 19,893 5,124 1,000 
			 8 Harassment, alarm & distress. 26,406 4,421 2,953 604 — 18,375 13,997 8,656 5 
			 9 Assaults occasioning actual bodily harm. 25,747 3,715 2,627 16 363 18,730 11,733 428 3,599 
			 10 Any other offences peculiar to stage carriages and public service vehicles not classified elsewhere(1). 24,159 35 16 15 — 16,005 13,957 13,815 — 
			  Total 586,412 37,013 27,427 1,879 843 385,735 305,016 198,292 21,205 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of offences 
			Female 
			Aged 10-17  Aged 18 and over 
			  No.  Offence description  Total proceedings  Total findings of guilt  Fined  Immediate custody  Total proceedings  Total findings of guilt  Fined  Immediate custody 
			 1 Television licence evasion. 20 9 7 — 82,588 75,098 74,183 — 
			 2 Motor vehicle licences; failure to pay appropriate duty. 7 4 3 — 20,908 18,304 18,076 — 
			 3 Common assault & battery. 3,415 2,624 20 58 7,152 4,586 447 304 
			 4 Stealing from shops & stalls. 2,355 2,074 68 25 13,481 12,088 1,692 1,924 
			 5 Failing to surrender to bail. 619 276 47 3 6,327 3,399 1,569 356 
			 6 Offences in relation to railways. 45 31 20 — 7,945 6,639 6,537 1 
			 7 Criminal damage, value £5,000 or less. 1,432 1,077 13 2 2,332 1,706 240 42 
			 8 Harassment, alarm & distress. 1,098 781 95 1 2,512 1,805 880 — 
			 9 Assaults occasioning actual bodily harm. 1,096 780 3 56 2,206 1,347 22 188 
			 10 Any other offences peculiar to stage carriages and public service vehicles not classified elsewhere(1). 14 5 5 — 8,105 6,842 6,736 — 
			  Total 10,101 7,661 281 145 153,556 131,814 110,382 2,815 
			 (1) Includes offences under the Road Transport (International Passenger Services) Regulations 1984, sections 12, 24(2), 24(3), 25, 60, 66(a-e) of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981, the Public Service Vehicles (Condition of fitness, equipment, use and certification) Regulations 1981 and the Public Service Vehicles (Lost property) Regulations 1978. (2) The statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences the principal offence is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (3) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table B1:  10  most common motoring offences proceeded against at the magistrates courts by result at all courts, sex and age-group for Essex police force area, 2005 
			  Number of offences 
			 Male 
			All persons  Aged 10-17  Aged 18 and over 
			  No.  Offence description  Total proceedings  Total proceedings  Total findings of guilt  Fined  Immediate custody  Total proceedings  Total findings of guilt  Fined  Immediate custody 
			 1 Speed limit offences 11,393 31 26 26 — 8,823 7,742 7,651 — 
			 2 Using motor vehicles uninsured against third party risks 7,031 432 372 141 — 5,847 4,480 3,199 — 
			 3 Motor vehicle licence - failing to pay appropriate duty 4,818 3 2 — — 3,882 3,409 3,348 — 
			 4 Driving, or causing or permitting another person to drive other than in accordance with licence 4,351 377 316 47 — 3,413 2,447 993 — 
			 5 Other vehicle registration offences (excluding fraud & forgery)(1) 3,606 15 12 2 — 2,926 2,371 2,282 — 
			 6 Vehicle test offences 2,864 98 67 6 — 2,436 1,529 649 — 
			 7 Driving with alcohol in the blood above the prescribed limit 2,279 35 34 2 1 1,952 1,820 1,207 194 
			 8 Other offences of neglect of traffic directions(2) 1,534 36 25 5 — 1,150 1,021 949 — 
			 9 Other miscellaneous motoring offences(3) 1,473 13 7 5 — 1,176 681 623 — 
			 10 Careless driving - without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for others 1,429 65 53 25 — 1,142 895 796 — 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of offences 
			Female 
			Aged 10-17  Aged 18 and over 
			  No.  Offence description  Total proceedings  Total findings of guilt  Fined  Immediate custody  Total proceedings  Total findings of guilt  Fined  Immediate custody 
			 1 Speed limit offences — — — — 2,539 2,294 2,286 — 
			 2 Using motor vehicles uninsured against third party risks 21 18 5 — 731 586 483 — 
			 3 Motor vehicle licence - failing to pay appropriate duty — — — — 933 798 772 — 
			 4 Driving, or causing or permitting another person to drive other than in accordance with licence 26 21 3 — 535 363 141 — 
			 5 Other vehicle registration offences (excluding fraud & forgery)((1)) — — — — 665 536 504 — 
			 6 Vehicle test offences 1 1 — — 329 233 86 — 
			 7 Driving with alcohol in the blood above the prescribed limit 7 6 1 — 285 269 177 9 
			 8 Other offences of neglect of traffic directions(2) — — — — 348 326 316 — 
			 9 Other miscellaneous motoring offences(3) 1 1 — — 283 152 145 — 
			 10 Careless driving - without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for others 3 2 1 — 219 182 165 — 
			 — = Nil. (1) Includes offences under SS34, 35, 37, 42, 43 46 & 59 of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994; S28A, S43C and S46A of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 as added by the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005; Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002; and Reg 35 of the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulations 2003. (2) Includes offences under SS35(1) & (2), 36(1) & 163(3) of the Road Traffic Act 1988; S28(3) Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984; and S6 Traffic Management Act 2004. (3) Includes offences under SS 13(1), 17(2), 18(4), 34(1), 71(1), 75(5), 76(1), 76(3), 83, 123(4), 135, 177 & Sch 1(6) of the Road Traffic Act 1988; SS 3(1)(a) & (b) of the Road Traffic (Foreign Vehicles) Act 1972; SS 35A(2),47(1), 47(3), 104, 112(4), 117 & Sch 12 Para 3(5) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1994; Regs 3, 9, 22, 33, 83, 86 & 89 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986; Regs 7, 8, 23 27 & 28 of the End-of-Life Vehicle Regulations 2003; and S4BD of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970.  Notes: 1. A person appearing in court can be dealt with for more than one offence at that appearance. The table shows the number of offences dealt with and not the number of persons appearing in court. 2. Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table B2: 10 most common motoring offences proceeded against at the magistrates courts by result at all courts, sex and age-group for England and Wales police force area, 2005 
			  Number of offences 
			 Male 
			All persons  Aged 10-17  Aged 18 and over 
			  No.  Offence description  Total proceedings  Total proceedings  Total findings of guilt  Fined  Immediate custody  Total proceedings  Total findings of guilt  Fined  Immediate custody 
			 1 Using motor vehicles uninsured against third party risks 392,635 19,704 16,498 6,474 — 336,534 246,030 181,328 — 
			 2 Vehicle test offences 277,843 8,037 4,496 739 — 242,540 124,939 57,920 — 
			 3 Driving, or causing or permitting another person to drive other than in accordance with licence 272,778 16,348 13,360 2,800 — 229,992 152,989 82,955 — 
			 4 Speed limit offences 191,417 385 328 278 — 155,902 130,489 128,616 — 
			 5 Motor vehicle licence - failing to pay appropriate duty 153,028 181 83 50 — 125,895 110,356 107,958 — 
			 6 Other miscellaneous motoring offences(1) 112,157 360 225 100 — 89,895 58,256 54,024 — 
			 7 Other vehicle insurance offences (except forgery etc)(2) 106,531 2,237 387 73 — 93,889 29,270 4,819 — 
			 8 Driving with alcohol in the blood above the prescribed limit 81,805 1,464 1,405 242 66 70,811 67,530 49,054 3,852 
			 9 Failing to produce driving licence 80,761 1,480 304 61 — 71,840 30,652 8,864 — 
			 10 Driving whilst disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence 50,899 2,700 2,404 54 740 45,806 40,900 2,250 16,710 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of offences 
			Female 
			Aged 10-17  Aged 18 and over 
			  No.  Offence description  Total proceedings  Total findings of guilt  Fined  Immediate custody  Total proceedings  Total findings of guilt  Fined  Immediate custody 
			 1 Using motor vehicles uninsured against third party risks 730 621 228 — 35,667 26,125 20,788 — 
			 2 Vehicle test offences 252 150 23 — 27,014 14,654 6,355 — 
			 3 Driving, or causing or permitting another person to drive other than in accordance with licence 680 589 100 — 25,758 17,368 9,134 — 
			 4 Speed limit offences 25 21 19 — 35,105 29,553 29,313 — 
			 5 Motor vehicle licence - failing to pay appropriate duty 12 8 4 — 26,940 23,438 22,840 — 
			 6 Other miscellaneous motoring offences(1) 34 25 8 — 21,868 13,743 12,652 — 
			 7 Other vehicle insurance offences (except forgery etc)(2) 72 15 — — 10,333 3,042 384 — 
			 8 Driving with alcohol in the blood above the prescribed limit 107 102 10 1 9,423 9,071 6,951 132 
			 9 Failing to produce driving licence 42 8 1 — 7,399 3,231 813 — 
			 10 Driving whilst disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence 23 19 — — 2,370 2,163 158 447 
			 — = Nil. (1) Includes offences under SS 13(1), 17(2), 18(4), 34(1), 71(1), 75(5), 76(1), 76(3), 83, 123(4), 135, 177 & Sch 1(6) of the Road Traffic Act 1988; SS 3(1)(a) & (b) of the Road Traffic (Foreign Vehicles) Act 1972; SS 35A(2),47(1), 47(3), 104, 112(4), 117 & Sch 12 Para 3(5) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1994; Regs 3, 9, 22, 33, 83, 86 & 89 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986; Regs 7, 8, 23 27 & 28 of the End-of-Life Vehicle Regulations 2003; and S4BD of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. (2) Includes offences under SS147, 154(2), 165(3), 170(7) & 171(2); and the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Risks) Regulations 1972.  Notes: 1. A person appearing in court can be dealt with for more than one offence at that appearance. The table shows the number of offences dealt with and not the number of persons appearing in court. 2. It is known that for some police force areas, the reporting of court proceedings in particular those relating to summary motoring offences are less than complete. 3. Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.

Crimes of Violence: Home Detention Curfews

Nick Herbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prisoners released on home detention curfew were serving sentences for  (a) violence against the person and  (b) sexual offences, in the last five years for which data is available.

Jack Straw: The following table gives the numbers of prisoners released on home detention curfew between 2002 and 2006 where the term of imprisonment was for either violence against the person or sexual offences.
	
		
			   Number released  Population in sentence length  band  Percentage released 
			  Violence against the person
			 2002 3,693 8,235 45 
			 2003 3,564 8,740 41 
			 2004 3,157 9,093 35 
			 2005 3,204 10,064 32 
			 2006 2,490 9,840 25 
			 
			  Sexual offences
			 2002 20 1,193 2 
			 2003 8 1,238 1 
			 2004 6 1,162 0 
			 2005 2 1,236 0 
			 2006 0 1,203 0 
		
	
	The figures are taken from Prison Statistics in England and Wales for the year 2002, and volumes of the Offender Management Caseload Statistics 2003, 2005 and 2006. Figures on sex offenders for 2004 were provided by my hon. Friend the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice the Member for Bradford South (Mr. Sutcliffe) to the hon. Member for Taunton (Mr. Browne) on 15 May 2007,  Official  R eport, columns 686-87W. Copies of these publications are available from the House of Common Library and at
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/prisonandprobation.htm
	Since March 2001 offenders required to register under the Sex Offenders Act 1997 (now replaced by Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003) have been statutorily excluded from HDC. Prisoners serving sentences for sexual offences that are not subject to registration are presumed unsuitable for HDC unless there are exceptional circumstances.
	As noted in the footnote to published tables, the reasons for recall from home detention curfew are sometimes presented as the reason for the original imprisonment. Further investigations suggest that around 5 per cent. of offence types recorded do not relate to the offence for which they were sentenced and subsequently released on home detention curfew, but relate to offences committed after release from prison and before the licence expiry date for their sentence.
	HDC allows prisoners serving primarily between three months and less than four years, to be released, depending on their sentence length, up to 135 days earlier than they would be otherwise. Prisoners must serve a minimum of one quarter of their sentence in custody subject to a minimum of 30 days before release on HDC. (Prisoners subject to the release arrangements of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 who are sentenced to four years or more are not statutorily ineligible for release on HDC but are presumed unsuitable unless there are exceptional circumstances.)
	No prisoner can be placed on HDC for longer than 135 days.
	The most serious violent offenders and all sexual offenders are either statutorily excluded or are presumed unsuitable for release on HDC. It should be noted that offenders serving extended sentences for serious violent offences are statutorily ineligible for release on HDC. Since March 2001 offenders required to register under the Sex Offenders Act 1997 (now replaced by Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003) have been statutorily excluded from HDC. Prisoners serving sentences for sexual offences that are not subject to registration are presumed unsuitable for HDC unless there are exceptional circumstances.
	Eligible prisoners are not granted HDC unless they pass a careful risk assessment.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale recording system, and although shown to the last individual the figures may not be accurate to that level.

Departmental Sick Leave

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many days sick leave were taken on average by staff in his Department and its predecessor in each of the last five years.

Maria Eagle: The information is in the following table. Data for the Office of Criminal Justice Reform, the National Offender Management Service and the Public Sector Prison Service, which now forms part of the Ministry of Justice, are being provided in a separate Home Office response.
	
		
			  Average number of days sick leave per employee 
			  Agency  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007 
			 Former DCA HQ 7.7 7.3 6.9 7.7 6.5 
			 Office of the Public Guardian 12.3 8.9 9.6 10.0 8.5 
			 Tribunals Service 12.7 12.2 11.4 11.3 8.8 
			 Court Service 10.9 10.3 11.0 11.2 9.5

Departmental Telephone Services

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what  (a) 0800,  (b) 0845 and  (c) 0870 telephone numbers for the public are in use by (i) his Department and (ii) agencies which report to his Department.

Michael Wills: The Department and its agencies use 0800, 0845 and 0870 telephone numbers to provide a range of services to the public. These include (but are not limited to) IT support for online queries; complaints, enquiries, recruitment, Land Registry services; and contact with jury offices, summoning centres and courts (county, combined and magistrates).
	A list of 0800, 0845 and 0870 telephone numbers available for use by the public is detailed as follows:
	 0800
	0800 0156510
	0800 0560559
	0800 3583506
	0800 3121159
	0800 3583601
	0800 0850982
	0800 4320432
	0800 5280021
	0800 4961125
	0800 4961130
	0800 4961224
	0800 5287708
	0800 6920107
	0800 6920113
	0800 6921333
	 0845
	0845 6045935
	0845 3302964
	0845 3302962
	0845 3302963
	0845 3455303
	0845 3455484
	0845 4565150
	0845 4568770
	0845 4085302
	0845 4085303
	0845 4085314
	0845 4085315
	0845 4085316
	0845 4085317
	0845 4085318
	0845 6000730
	0845 6000710
	0845 6000736
	0845 3771000
	0845 6000629
	0845 6000788
	0845 6000722
	0845 4085319
	0845 6015889
	0845 2232022
	0845 6060766
	0845 3555567
	0845 3555155
	0845 4085304
	0845 4085305
	0845 4085306
	0845 4085310
	0845 4085311
	0845 4085312
	0845 4085313
	0845 4085322
	0845 7045007
	0845 7078607
	0845 3302900
	0845 6000490
	0845 6017134
	0845 6022064
	0845 6066035
	0845 6017125
	0845 6017136
	0845 6017124
	0845 6020014
	0845 6020016
	0845 6015889
	0845 7078607
	0845 6015935
	0845 7045007
	0845 6020012
	0845 6020015
	0845 6020013
	 0870
	0870 2204119
	0870 2204120
	0870 2204121
	0870 2204123
	0870 2204124
	0870 2204100
	0870 2204101
	0870 2204102
	0870 2204103
	0870 2204104
	0870 2204105
	0870 2204106
	0870 2204107
	0870 2204108
	0870 2204109
	0870 2204110
	0870 2204111
	0870 2204112
	0870 2204113
	0870 2204114
	0870 2204115
	0870 2204116
	0870 2204117
	0870 2204118
	0870 2204127
	0870 2204128
	0870 2204131
	0870 2204130
	0870 2204129
	0870 2204134
	0870 2204135
	0870 2204136
	0870 2204137
	0870 2204138
	0870 2204139
	0870 2204411
	0870 2410109
	0870 2204126
	0870 2204125
	0870 2204132
	0870 2204133
	0870 4960080
	0870 2204122
	0870 4960094
	0870 0108318
	0870 0000100
	0870 0002121
	0870 0000100
	0870 0008321
	0870 0012020
	0870 4960070

Departmental Working Hours

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many hours  (a) in total and  (b) on average per employee were worked by civil servants in his Department in the last year for which records are available.

Maria Eagle: The Department does not collate records of the total or average hours worked by its employees. The information requested could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

Euthanasia

Chris McCafferty: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what consideration he has given to the Law Commission's recommendations relating to recognition in law of mercy killing as  (a) an offence and  (b) a partial defence; and what plans he has to consult the public on these matters.

Maria Eagle: The Law Commission has not made any recommendations for an offence or partial defence of "mercy" killing. It has recommended that the Government undertake a public consultation on the issue.
	This is a difficult and sensitive area. As the Law Commission recognises, the question of whether there should be a partial defence of "mercy" killing raises many of the same issues raised by the debate as to whether assisted dying should be legalised. The Government have made clear that assisted dying is a matter of conscience and for Parliament to decide. Parliament has considered this on several recent occasions. The Government have no current plans to take forward a consultation in this area.

Fines: Surcharges

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what value of victim surcharge monies has been  (a) imposed and  (b) collected since the introduction of the victim surcharge in criminal courts in the Greater London area; to which victims' organisations the money collected has been disbursed; how much has been disbursed to each organisation; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: Receipts from the surcharge are appropriated in aid as part of the Ministry of Justice Estimates; allocations are made to recipient organisations or other departments as appropriate. Some recipient organisations based in London provide a national service while others provide a national help-line. Full details of how the surcharge revenue was being used nationally were given in my answer to the hon. Member for Shipley (Philip Davies) of 26 November 2007,  Official Report, column 96W.
	In the period April 2007 to March 2008 courts in the London region collected £549,048 in victims surcharge receipts. However, under current IT systems it is not possible to extract and collate centrally information on the value of surcharge impositions entered into local court case management and accounting systems.
	Recipient organisations with a Greater London area only remit, and the indicative grant, included the following:
	
		
			   £ 
			 Greenwich Action Committee Against Racist Attacks 29,515 
			 Hounslow Community Safety Partnership 15,000 
			 Victim Support London 25,620 
			 One-in-Four 48,510 
			 Lilith 30,104 
			 Step Forward 32,190 
			 Galop 35,122 
		
	
	A further £200,000 was allocated to the London Domestic Violence Coordinating Group for assignment to independent domestic violence adviser (IDVA) services supporting existing specialist domestic violence court (SDVC) areas and services considering the development of SDVCs. Funding of £20,000 was assigned to each of the following boroughs:
	Brent SDVC: Victim Support Brent
	Croydon SDVC: Croydon Women's Aid, Family Justice Centre
	West London SDVC, Advance, covering Hammersmith and Fulham and
	Women's Trust IDVA Service, covering Kensington and Chelsea
	Barking and Dagenham: Community Safety and Prevention Services Division
	Barnet DV Support Service
	Greenwich Women's Trust/DV Advocacy Service
	Harrow Hestia Women's Aid
	Hillingdon Community Safety
	Islington Community Safety
	A proportion of the allocations is also passed to the Crown Prosecution Service towards the cost of maintaining victim and witness services through the joint Police/CPS witness care units. It is not possible to say what proportion of this is spent in the Greater London area because this designation does not correspond to the boundaries of CPS operational areas.

Freedom of Information: Private Sector

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what progress he has made in his assessment of the desirability of extending the remit of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to private companies deemed to be delivering public functions.

Jack Straw: The Government received over 130 responses to its consultation on extending the coverage of the Freedom of Information Act to organisations exercising functions of a public nature. The consultation officially concluded on 1( )February 2008 but a number of responses received up to a month later were accepted and are being taken into account.
	The Government are continuing to analyse the responses and assess the desirability and implications of designating additional public authorities under the Act.

Homicide

Chris McCafferty: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what his timetable is for the introduction of legislative proposals to amend the law of homicide;
	(2)  what his timetable is for launching a consultation on potential changes to the law of homicide.

Maria Eagle: In December 2006, following extensive public consultation, the Law Commission published its report on "Murder, Manslaughter and Infanticide". That report was intended as the first stage in the review of the law in this area, with the Government to undertake the second stage.
	On 12 December 2007 I announced the commencement of that next stage of the review which is looking first at the recommendations relating to provocation, diminished responsibility, complicity and infanticide. Discussions have been taking place with stakeholders over the last few months. If it is decided that legislative change is necessary, draft clauses will be published for consultation in the summer. Any subsequent legislation would be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows.

Karian and Box

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the value was of each contract awarded by his Department and its predecessors to Karian and Box since 1997.

Maria Eagle: From April 1999 until March 2007, the financial years for when records are available, my Department has not awarded any contracts to Karian and Box.

Offenders

Nick Herbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what three offender characteristics are given the greatest weight when calculating the predicted rate of adult re-offending; and what assessment he has made of the effect of each on the predicted rate.

Jack Straw: The calculation of the predicted rate of adult re-offending considers three main offender characteristics: gender, age and criminal history of the offender—although these characteristics are broken down further in the model by various subcategories.
	The individual effect of each on the predicted rate was not assessed in detail because the main purpose of the predicted rate is to control for offender characteristics across different cohorts. In short, it is the combined effect of all offender characteristics which is of greatest interest.
	Detailed methodology on how the predicted rate is derived can be found in the 'Methodological annex: statistical modelling' section of the 2007 report 'Re-offending of adults: results from the 2004 cohort', available online at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs07/hosb0607.pdf

Police Custody: Essex

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people were held in custody in police cells in Essex in each of the last three years.

Jack Straw: Prisoners are held in police cells either under Operation Safeguard or as ad-hoc "lockouts".
	Operation Safeguard was not used in 2005. The number of occasions on which prisoners were held under Operation Safeguard in Essex in 2006 and 2007 is shown in the table below. An occasion is one prisoner night. The average number of prisoners held under Operation Safeguard per night is also shown.
	
		
			   2006  2007 
			 Number of occasions 1,009 4,387 
			 Average number in Safeguard per night(1) 14 13 
			 (1) Based on number of nights that Safeguard was available in each year, rounded to nearest whole number 
		
	
	In 2006 Operation Safeguard was not used before mid-October.
	Data on ad-hoc lockouts is not available for individual police forces but nationally they represent a very small proportion of the total numbers held in police cells.

Prisoners: Rehabilitation

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when he plans to fund the implementation of the integrated drug treatment system across all prisons in England and Wales.

Maria Eagle: On 17 March 2008,  Official Report, columns 49-50WS, my hon. Friend, the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice the Member for Delyn (Mr. Hanson), my right hon. Friend, the Minister of State, Department of Health the Member for Bristol, South (Dawn Primarolo) and my hon. Friend, the Under-Secretary of State for Health the Member for Bury, South (Mr. Lewis), announced the Government's plans for drug treatment funding. This stated that the Department of Health will make £24.4 million available for clinical aspects of the Integrated Drug Treatment System (IDTS) in 2008-09—a rise of £11.7 million on 2007-08 levels. This will allow a roll-out of enhanced clinical treatment in around 38 more prisons.
	Department of Health funding for prison clinical drug treatment will rise to £39 million (indicative) in 2009-10 and £43 million (indicative) in 2010-11 which will enable enhanced clinical services to be available in all prisons.
	Decisions on funding for the psycho-social elements of IDTS have yet to be taken.

Prosecutions: Drugs

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people were  (a) prosecuted and  (b) convicted of a third (i) Class A drug trafficking and (ii) domestic burglary offence in each of the last seven years, broken down by age group.

Jack Straw: The table shows the number of people recorded as sentenced to the mandatory minimum sentence for a third class A drug trafficking offence and third domestic burglary; under sections 110 and 111 of the Power of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act (2000).
	These are the numbers recorded by courts as receiving the mandatory sentence. As the Courts Proceedings Database does not include criminal histories we are not able to identify those who were not given the mandatory minimum from this data source.
	
		
			  Persons sentenced( 1 ) to immediate custody under the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000. 2000-06—England and Wales 
			  Number of persons 
			   Section 110  Section 111 
			   Minimum 7 years for third class A drug trafficking offence  Minimum 3 years for third domestic burglary 
			  2000   
			 18 to 20 — — 
			 21 and over 2 — 
			 Total 2 0 
			
			  2001   
			 18 to 20 1 — 
			 21 and over — 6 
			 Total 1 6 
			
			  2002   
			 18 to 20 — 2 
			 21 and over — — 
			 Total 0 2 
			
			  2003   
			 18 to 20 — 4 
			 21 and over 3 9 
			 Total 3 13 
			
			  2004   
			 18 to 20 1 15 
			 21 and over 3 31 
			 Total 4 46 
			
			  2005   
			 18 to 20 — 18 
			 21 and over 3 71 
			 Total 3 89 
			
			  2006   
			 18 to 20 — 33 
			 21 and over 7 196 
			 Total 7 229 
			 (1) Principal offence basis These figures have been drawn from administrative data systems. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system.  Source:  RDS-NOMS, Ministry of Justice

Terrorism: Prisoner Release

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many persons awaiting trial for, or convicted of, terrorism offences have been released on home detention curfew since 1997.

Nick Herbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prisoners serving sentences for terrorism offences were released on home detention curfew in each of the last five years.

Jack Straw: The Home Detention Curfew (HDC) scheme, was introduced in January 1999. It applies only to offenders serving determinate sentences of imprisonment or detention.
	Anyone serving four years or more is either statutorily ineligible or presumed unsuitable for HDC unless there are exceptional circumstances. Since July 2003 prisoners serving sentences of any length for certain violent offences such as conspiracy to commit murder and serious explosives offences, which could have links to terrorist activity, have been presumed unsuitable for HDC unless there are exceptional circumstances.
	In December 2007 the list of examples of presumed unsuitable offences was clarified and extended to include most offences under counter terrorism legislation. Since then, and in line with the announcement made by me on 28 March concerning the eligibility criteria for the End of Custody Licence scheme, prisoners serving sentences for any offence committed under counter terrorism legislation, will be presumed unsuitable for release on HDC. Prison governors were notified of this decision on 4 April 2008 and a Prison Service instruction will be issued in due course.
	Between 1999 and 2007 three prisoners convicted of offences under terrorism legislation were released on HDC: two in 2003 and one in 2007.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.

Young Offenders Institutions: Counselling

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many young offender institutions provide counselling services for inmates who have previously experienced sexual abuse or violence.

Maria Eagle: All 18 male and nine female young offender institutions which hold young adults (18-21) and young people (15-17) provide counselling services for those assessed as likely to benefit from them. Specific interventions will depend on assessment of need in individual cases and may include, for example, the provision of information and advice, or support from local agencies with specialist knowledge and experience. Referrals to psychological or mental health services will sometimes need to be made.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Aerials: Planning Permission

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent guidance she has issued to local authorities on checking that appropriate certificates of compliance are  (a) in place and  (b) relevant before granting permission for the erection of mobile phone masts.

Iain Wright: The Department issued guidance about this matter in 2001 which still applies. Planning Policy Guidance Note 8: Telecommunications, states that all new mobile phone base stations are expected to meet the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. All applicants for planning permission or prior approval should include with their applications, a statement to certify that the mobile phone base station, when operational, will meet the guidelines. Where a mobile phone base station is added to an existing mast or site, the operator should confirm that the cumulative exposure will not exceed the ICNIRP guidelines.

Bellwin Scheme

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether she plans to review the efficacy of the Bellwin Scheme; and if she will make a statement.

John Healey: The Government have asked Sir Michael Pitt to review the handling of the summer floods in 2007. We will consider his recommendations, including those relating to the costs of response and recovery, when they are available.

Council Tax: Parish Councils

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the average Band D parish council precept is in  (a) 2007-08 and  (b) 2008-09.

John Healey: Information on precepts and Band D council taxes set by individual parish and town councils in England is not collected by the Department.

Departmental Pensions

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the cash equivalent transfer value is of the public sector pensions of the 10 highest paid members of staff in her Department and its Executive agencies; and if she will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: It is not appropriate to disclose values for staff, other than those whose details are reported on in Remuneration Reports in the Department's Resource Accounts. A copy of the Resource Accounts for 2006-07 can be found in the Library of the House.

Departmental Written Questions

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many days it took on average to answer written parliamentary questions tabled by each hon. Member for answer by her in the last six months.

Parmjit Dhanda: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Disability Essex: Buildings

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations she has received on the construction of a new headquarters and training centre for Disability Essex; and if she will make a statement.

Iain Wright: The East of England Development Agency (BEDA) provided initial funding in June 2007 to Disability Essex to enable them to prepare a business case for their new headquarters and training centre which must go through a transparent process in order to secure public money for their projects. A completed capital grant fund application form must be submitted before it can be considered by an independent appraisal panel.
	I understand that EEDA have not received the necessary capital grant application form from Disability Essex, and unfortunately the cut-off date has now passed.
	It is highly regrettable that Disability Essex did not submit an application in the 10 months since they received a bursary award and prior to the cut off date, but EEDA was required to take a decision as to the basis upon which 'live' projects could be taken forward under the circumstances.
	However, EEDA will continue to work with Disability Essex, and other organisations in the East of England, to support their major fund-raising activities.

Eco-Towns

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to her Written Ministerial Statement of 3 April 2008,  Official Report, columns 70-72WS, on eco-towns, if she will list the parliamentary constituencies in which the proposed eco-towns are located.

Caroline Flint: On information currently available the 13 eco-town locations, which have been shortlisted for public consultation and further assessment are located within the following parliamentary constituencies. In some areas exact locations have yet to be defined.
	
		
			  Eco-town location  Constituency 
			 Rossington Don Valley 
			 Manby Louth and Horncastle 
			 Curborough Lichfield 
			 Pennbury Site is split between Rutland and Melton and Harborough 
			 Middle Quinton Stratford-on-Avon, with part of site in Mid Worcestershire 
			 Marston Mid Bedfordshire and Bedford 
			 Hanley Grange South East Cambridgeshire 
			 North East Elsenham Saffron Walden 
			 Weston Otmoor Banbury 
			 Bordon-Whitehill North East Hampshire 
			 Ford Arundel and South Downs 
			 St. Austell (Clay Community) Truro and St. Austell 
			 Coltishall North Norfolk, with part of site in Mid Norfolk 
		
	
	In addition further reviews are being carried out on in terms of sites at Rushcliffe and Leeds city region.

Fire Services

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many control staff in each fire and rescue authority have agreed to transfer to the South West Regional Control Centre in Taunton.

Parmjit Dhanda: Discussions concerning which staff could reasonably transfer to the Regional Control Centre are for the current Fire and Rescue Authorities, and the future employer, the South West Fire Control Service Ltd., to make in consultation with their employees. The Fire and Rescue Authorities included in this company are; Avon, Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Isles of Scilly and Wiltshire.

Fire Services: Manpower

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many retained firefighters there were in each fire and rescue authority in each of the last five years.

Parmjit Dhanda: Available information, for each Fire and Rescue Service area within England is shown as follows.
	
		
			  Retained duty system firefighters( 1)  in England, 2002-06 
			  Fire and rescue service  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			 Avon 218 215 213 220 232 
			 Bedfordshire and Luton 151 139 106 150 154 
			 Buckinghamshire 190 200 195 184 188 
			 Cambridgeshire 344 327 350 369 373 
			 Cheshire 190 199 199 198 207 
			 Cleveland 85 89 87 90 84 
			 Cornwall 425 431 413 418 417 
			 County Durham and Darlington 161 160 158 154 161 
			 Cumbria 439 461 458 467 477 
			 Derbyshire 364 341 353 354 350 
			 Devon 111 728 771 825 823 
			 Dorset 331 332 343 357 357 
			 East Sussex 240 291 224 241 251 
			 Essex 477 472 475 488 534 
			 Gloucestershire 289 298 285 296 297 
			 Greater Manchester 38 20 35 38 36 
			 Hampshire 688 673 704 707 738 
			 Hereford and Worcester 355 355 344 340 353 
			 Hertfordshire 261 208 268 257 261 
			 Humberside 327 335 344 351 356 
			 Isle of Wight 153 163 163 148 168 
			 Isles of Scilly 34 34 40 39 38 
			 Kent 736 719 739 111 847 
			 Lancashire 357 369 384 402 397 
			 Leicestershire 225 218 218 262 193 
			 Lincolnshire 495 498 529 506 520 
			 London 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Merseyside 0 0 0 21 95 
			 Norfolk 405 426 435 501 514 
			 North Yorkshire 366 392 324 381 378 
			 Northamptonshire 242 228 220 237 229 
			 Northumberland 187 177 187 189 219 
			 Nottinghamshire 354 356 349 339 347 
			 Oxfordshire 319 320 293 301 339 
			 Royal Berkshire 155 168 154 137 155 
			 Shropshire 299 289 294 294 293 
			 Somerset 372 364 373 377 384 
			 South Yorkshire 58 63 59 54 54 
			 Staffordshire 398 420 397 424 405 
			 Suffolk 401 415 399 425 452 
			 Surrey 129 130 134 133 131 
			 Tyne and Wear 23 23 23 23 21 
			 Warwickshire 178 189 191 179 179 
			 West Midlands 9 11 11 11 11 
			 West Sussex 311 323 295 353 379 
			 West Yorkshire 163 159 165 187 184 
			 Wiltshire 344 316 314 339 346 
			 (1) Includes all roles of retained fire officers including station managers.  Source: Annual returns CLG

Fire Services: South West

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the current establishment is in each fire control room for every South West Fire and Rescue Authority; and what the anticipated establishment is at the Regional Control Centre in Taunton.

Parmjit Dhanda: The current establishment and actual number of staff employed as at 31 March 2007 in each control room in the South West is given in the table as follows:
	
		
			  Fire and Rescue Authority  Establishment( 1)  (FTE)  Number Employed ( 2) (FTE) 
			 Avon 32 36 
			 Cornwall 15 15.5 
			 Devon 26 30 
			 Dorset 21 25.5 
			 Gloucestershire 25 24.19 
			 Isles of Scilly — 0 
			 Somerset 18.5 22.5 
			 Wiltshire 23 26 
			 Total 160.5 179.69 
			 (1 )"Establishment" is the agreed staffing level within each control room shown as Full Time Equivalent Employees. (2) "Number employed" is the actual number of people who currently work in each control room (Full Time Equivalents). This figure is often greater than establishment as it includes, for example, cover for maternity leave, secondments etc. 
		
	
	Decisions about exact staffing levels will be a matter for the South West Fire Control Service Ltd. to decide. The Fire and Rescue Authorities included in this company are; Avon, Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Isles of Scilly and Wiltshire.

FireBuy Limited

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will make a statement on the operation of FireBuy Limited.

Parmjit Dhanda: FireBuy Ltd. was established as a non-departmental public body in March 2006. Its role is to help deliver the National Procurement Strategy for the Fire and Rescue Service, published in November 2005. FireBuy's aim is to secure efficiencies in procurement through the negotiation of fire-specific contracts for the Fire and Rescue Service. It is also working to advance interoperability within the service, improve standards of equipment and assist in removing traditional barriers to recruitment and reduce environmental impacts. The Department is currently reviewing the National Procurement Strategy, including the role of FireBuy Ltd.

Housing Associations: Borrowing

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment  (a) her Department and  (b) the Housing Corporation has made of the effect of instability in the credit markets on borrowing by housing associations from the open market.

Caroline Flint: The Housing Corporation has instigated a quarterly review with all partner developing housing associations. Their conclusions from the last review in January are that most associations have sufficient facilities in place and agreed with lenders to fund their business plans, including new development for the next two years. The corporation does not, at this point, anticipate that the tightening of the credit market should adversely impact on housing associations ability to meet either their service commitments to tenants or development targets.

Local Government Finance: Planning

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the estimated revenue from local authority planning fees was in each year since 1997.

Iain Wright: The estimated revenue from local authority planning fees are based on local authority voluntary returns to the Government and are not a published statistic.
	Information for the period 1997-99 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Taking this into account the figures for the periods 1999-2000 to 2006-07 are as follows:
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2006-07 245 
			 2005-06 234 
			 2004-05 200 
			 2003-04 195 
			 2002-03 174 
			 2001-02 143 
			 2000-01 140 
			 1999-2000 132

Members: Correspondence

Peter Lilley: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when she plans to answer the letter of 12 March 2008 from the right hon. Member for Hitchin and Harpenden on the meeting between officials of her Department, developers and Luton Borough Council on plans to build homes in Hitchin and Harpenden constituency.

Caroline Flint: I have now replied to the right hon. Member's correspondence.

Planning: Flood Control

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  on what grounds developments may take place against the advice of the Environment Agency on the grounds of flood risk;
	(2)  what criteria she takes into account in taking decisions on whether building developments on functional flood plains should proceed.

Iain Wright: Planning applications are decided by local planning authorities in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In arriving at their decisions, all representations made, including any from the Environment Agency on flood risk grounds, are taken into account. Each case is decided on its individual merits.
	If a planning application for development in the functional flood plain is called-in or comes to the Secretary of State on appeal, it will be decided on the same basis as an application by a local planning authority. Where flood risk is an issue, account will be taken of the Government's policy in Planning Policy Statement 25 "Development and Flood Risk".

Preventing Violent Extremism Pathfinder Fund

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which local councils in receipt of Preventing Violent Extremism funding for the year 2008-09 have  (a) signed up and  (b) not signed up to indicator IN35 as a condition of receiving that funding.

Parmjit Dhanda: As Local Area Agreement negotiations are ongoing, I am not in a position to provide the information requested at this time. However it is worth noting that all 198 indicators, including NI 35, will be measured in every relevant local authority.
	Funding for preventing violent extremism to local authorities from 2008-09 onwards is based on need and is paid through the Area Based Grant (ABG). As with all other aspects of ABG, this funding is not conditional on inclusion of the relevant National Indicator as a priority indicator.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Crimes of Violence

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many crimes involving violence against a person were recorded in Kettering constituency in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many crimes involving violence against a person were recorded in Corby constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence

Philip Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Ludlow constituency in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Solihull and Stourbridge constituency in each of the last five years;
	(3)  how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Hereford constituency in each of the last five years;
	(4)  how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Brecon and Radnor constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Elmet constituency in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in South West Surrey constituency in each of the last five years;

John Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Suffolk Coastal constituency in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Waveney constituency in each of the last five years;
	(3)  how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Ipswich constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence

Christopher Fraser: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in North Norfolk constituency in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Montgomeryshire constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Banbury constituency in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Derby North constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Aldridge

Richard Shepherd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Aldridge-Brownhills constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Altrincham

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Altrincham and Sale West constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at crime and disorder reduction partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Beaconsfield

Dominic Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Beaconsfield constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at crime and disorder reduction partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Bexley

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at crime and disorder reduction partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Billericay

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Billericay constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at crime and disorder reduction partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Bournemouth

John Butterfill: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Bournemouth west constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Bromsgrove

Julie Kirkbride: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Bromsgrove constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at crime and disorder reduction partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Bury

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving violence against a person were recorded in  (a) Bury North and  (b) Bury South constituencies in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Cambridgeshire

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in South East Cambridgeshire constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Cambridgeshire

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving violence against a person were recorded in South Cambridgeshire constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Charnwood

Stephen Dorrell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving violence against a person were recorded in Charnwood constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Chichester

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving violence against the person were recorded in Chichester constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person statistics for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: City of Westminster

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving violence against the person were recorded in the Cities of London and Westminster constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Cotswold Hills

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Cotswold constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Croydon

Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving violence against the person were recorded in Croydon South constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Daventry

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Daventry constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Devizes

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Devizes constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Dorset

Robert Walter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in North Dorset constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Eastbourne

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Eastbourne constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Epping Forest

Eleanor Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving violence against the person were recorded in Epping Forest constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Essex

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in West Chelmsford constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Essex

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in North Essex constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Faversham

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Faversham and Mid Kent constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Folkestone

Michael Howard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Folkestone and Hythe constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Greater London

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in  (a) Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush and  (b) Hammersmith and Fulham constituencies in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Greater London

Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in  (a) Wimbledon constituency,  (b) Tooting constituency and  (c) Eastleigh constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at crime and disorder reduction partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Hampshire

George Young: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in North West Hampshire constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Hampshire

Michael Mates: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in East Hampshire constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Harwich

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Harwich constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Hastings and Rye

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Hastings and Rye constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at crime and disorder reduction partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Hemel Hempstead

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Hemel Hempstead constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Hertford

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Hertford and Stortford constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Hitchin

Peter Lilley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Hitchin and Harpenden constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://\AAww.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Isle of Wight

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in the Isle of Wight in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: The Isle of Wight is a Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	A copy of the table is also available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Macclesfield

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Macclesfield constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at crime and disorder reduction partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Maidenhead

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Maidenhead constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Meriden

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Meriden constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Milton Keynes

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in North East Milton Keynes constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at crime and disorder reduction partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Monmouth

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Monmouth constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more DRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: New Forest

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving violence against a person were recorded in New Forest West constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: New Forest

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in New Forest East constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Newbury

Richard Benyon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Newbury constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at crime and disorder reduction partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Norfolk

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in North West Norfolk constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Norfolk

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Mid Norfolk constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Norfolk

Christopher Fraser: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in South West Norfolk constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Northampton

Brian Binley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Northampton South constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Orpington

John Horam: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Orpington constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at crime and disorder reduction partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Poole

Robert Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Poole constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Preseli

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Preseli Pembrokeshire constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Rayleigh

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Rayleigh constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at crime and disorder reduction partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Reading

Andrew MacKay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving violence against the person were recorded in  (a) Reading West and  (b) Bracknell constituencies in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Romsey

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in  (a) Romsey and  (b) Salisbury constituencies in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Sevenoaks

Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Sevenoaks constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Shipley

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Shipley constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Skegness

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Boston and Skegness constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Somerset

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving violence against a person were recorded in Woodspring constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Southend

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Southend, West constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Spelthorne

David Wilshire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving violence against a person were recorded in Spelthorne constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Stratford-on-Avon

John Maples: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Stratford-on-Avon constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Sutton

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in  (a) Sutton and Cheam and  (b) Reigate constituencies in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Tunbridge Wells

Greg Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Tunbridge Wells constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Upminster

Angela Watkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Upminster constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person statistics for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Wantage

Edward Vaizey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Wantage constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in
	the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Wiltshire

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving violence against a person were recorded in North Wiltshire constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Windsor

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Windsor constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Witney

David Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Witney constituency in each of the last five years.

Jacqui Smith: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Woking

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in Woking constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at crime and disorder reduction partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Worcestershire

Michael Spicer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving violence against the person were recorded in West Worcestershire constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Worthing

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in East Worthing and Shoreham constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Crimes of Violence: Wycombe

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes of violence against the person were recorded in  (a) Wycombe and  (b) Harrow East constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at crime and disorder reduction partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise of more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.